Members of Bridgewater Raritan High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter attended the organization’s State Leadership Conference (SLC) at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City from March 10 to 12.
The conference kicked off with an opening ceremony, welcoming students from over 40 schools across the state. Over the next three days, attendees engaged in a variety of workshops, competitive events and networking opportunities.
Presentation-based competitions covered topics ranging from finance, public speaking and business strategy, with finalists showcasing their skills in final rounds. Meanwhile, students who engaged in non-presentation events had competed in state-level competitions before the conference.
Workshops provided insights into entrepreneurship, leadership and college guidance, equipping students with skills for future careers. Campaign booths were set up by state officer candidates, allowing them to showcase their visions for the future of FBLA.
Beyond structured events, students had opportunities to form valuable friendships, interact with peers and gain new experiences. When not competing, or attending workshops, students could socialize in spaces set up with activities like trivia, UNO and karaoke, or grab a bite at the numerous restaurants around the restaurant.
Two award ceremonies were held throughout the conference to recognize outstanding achievements and those who placed in their events. The top ten in each category were recognized, and the top four will be advancing to the National Leadership Conference.
Those who placed in the top 10 were Aaryan Arvind, Aayush Dhar, Amulya Bisaria, Andy Wang, Anika Lal, Anish Parikh, Anvay Ajmera, Armaan Kabra, Athul Anand, Ayushmaan Mukherjee, Daksh Rajput, Darsh Gaur, Dhruv Rakhade, Diya Mohan, Gayatri Krishnan, Harshit Kondle, Justin Wylde, Luvyakrish Manche, Manas Gumedelli, Mohnish Gumedelli, Mythili Madhusoodanan, Natalie Chen, Navneet Kalatheeswaran, Neel Tandon, Om Shah, Parvathy Regi, Pranav Unknown, Priyanka Kumar, Rishi Khanna, Rong Liu, Saketh Bongu, Sameer Tijare, Sophia Liu, Sri Kakarla, Taashvi Shah, Varnika Kirthi, Vedaang Verma, Viktor Sychev and Vrishank Madishetty.
The FBLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) is scheduled to be held from June 29 to July 2, 2025, in Anaheim, California. Students from Bridgewater-Raritan are expected to attend.
Sophomore Victoria Wang recollected her time at the conference.
“The State Leadership Conference was a unique experience that provided incredible opportunities for growth and networking,” she said.
Sophomore Gayatri Krishnan echoed these sentiments.
“It was fun getting to experience the three day conference and expanding my knowledge on the business world,” she said.
The conference wrapped up with a closing ceremony that celebrated the hard work and efforts of everyone present, including advisors, volunteers and participants. The final awards ceremony recognized the top ten in presentational events.
As students bid farewell to new friends and mentors, leaving with new opportunities and experiences, the conference left a lasting impression, motivating many to continue their journey with FBLA and strive to unlock their potential.
