On Friday, Oct. 14, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at AHS convened for the first time in the 2010-2011 school year.

The kickoff began with energizing music, which played as students filed into the lecture hall in order to participate in Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). The Annandale Business Department’s internet homepage explains that FBLA is “an educational association of student members preparing for careers in business and business related fields.”

Although Junior Emnet Benti, a member for the second consecutive year in her time at AHS, does not plan on majoring in business, she believes that her experience in the club will help her in the future nonetheless.

“…I plan to major in nursing. I think FBLA will help me talk to patients because I’ve learned PR (personal relations) skills,” Benti comments.

Benti most likely learned these valuable social coping abilities, from “… get[ting] to be with [her] friends,” at the meetings for Future Business Leaders of America, which take place every other Wednesday.

The qualifications for being active as an FBLA Honor member are attending 5 meetings and participating in at least 2 activities in the categories of: Leadership & Promotion, School & Community, Financial Knowledge, and Socialization.

Community service is a recurring theme in the FBLA club, as it holds an annual book drive for India and advertises fund raisers at school events, such as the 2010 Homecoming Parade.

The Annandale HS Business Program’s Website states,“FBLA-PBL provides innovative leadership development programs to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship.” As Benti says,“It’s good for college app[lication]s.”