Five students from Thomas County Central High School's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter joined more than 11,000 other members and advisers for the 2014 FBLA National Leadership Conference and Competition in Nashville, Tenn., on June 28, 2014.
Junior Tessa McCorkle, who serves as the TCCHS FBLA president, placed 9th in the nation in Web Site Design. This is the first time that TCCHS FBLA has placed in the Top 10 in a performance event at the national level. 
TCCHS was also represented by seniors Savannah Matherly (Hospitality Management) and Lauren Rich (Business Communication), Junior Jordan Barrett (Digital Video Production), and sophomore Mason Lawing (Electronic Career Portfolio). 
"From region at Moultrie Tech to nationals at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn., I've learned so much," said McCorkle.  "After competing, earning a spot among 12 finalists and earning 9th place, it's safe to say that the 2013-2014 FBLA season has been a successful one." 
McCorkle noted that the trophy recognized her as the 9thbest website designer at the national FBLA level and among nations such as China and Haiti. She was the highest placing individual in the event.
Savannah Matherly also advanced to the final round of competition and placed in the top 15 in the nation in Hospitality Management. Matherly was part of a "super team" put together by Georgia FBLA, teaming with two other competitors from Georgia. Participants took a knowledge test facing off against more than 100 other competitors, and their knowledge landed them in final round of competition. During the final round, they were given a hospitality management problem with 20 minutes to develop a solution, and then presented the solution to a panel of judges.
"Savannah did great," said Nick Haskin, FBLA advisor. "She was put in a tough situation teaming with total strangers and asked to compete against the best and brightest around the nation.  Just to advance to the final round is an amazing accomplishment."
TCCHS FBLA is still awaiting results to determine individual placing in each event. Only the top 10 are awarded in each category at the conference.
Participants from across the United States and more than 10 other countries were in attendance for this conference to sharpen their core business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 55 business and business-related competitive events.

Story courtesy of Thomasville-Times Enterprise. http://www.timesenterprise.com