Demopolis High FBLA holds emblem ceremony
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the world’s largest Career Technical Student Organization. Four years ago, Demopolis High School reactivated its chapter and it has been growing rapidly ever since.
FBLA of Demopolis conducted its inaugural Emblem Ceremony for its members Tuesday, Feb. 13 at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Demopolis.
“The presentation of the FBLA Emblem Ceremony is an important tradition used to inform and inspire audiences about the purposes of the organization while providing an opportunity to develop presentation skills for members,” DHS FBLA sponsor Kelly Gandy, explained.
There were 42 members in attendance as each officer explained the significance of each component of the crest. As the crest was displayed for all to see, officers explained the importance of service, education, and progress. While each syllable of FBLA was explained in detail. Each member was asked to stand and recited the FBLA Pledge and the Creed before concluding the ceremony.
A special part of the ceremony was the recognition of Chapter Officers as well as individual members that achieved different levels of the Business Achievement Award (BAA). Each level of the BAA covers these core activities and concepts:
Service—Uncover the link between a community and the success of a business. Members focus on activities that improve their school, area businesses, community, and state.
Education—Understand business and the world of work. Members focus on activities and curriculum that prepare them for corporate America, develop an appreciation of entrepreneurship, and understand the benefits of continuing education. With input from business educators, industry professionals, and college educators, members will be more prepared for their futures at college and at work.
Progress—Explore the local, state, and national levels of FBLA-PBL and how they complement one another. Members focus on activities that promote FBLA-PBL at the local, regional/district, state and national levels.
Level 1, Future, focuses on basic business skills, introduces members to community service, and emphasizes the importance of FBLA involvement at the local level. Seventeen members achieved the BAA for Future and received a certificate along with commemorative pin.
Level 2, Business, focuses on local and district/regional and state FBLA involvement, helps members develop intermediate business skills, and highlights community leadership. Six members achieved the BAA for Business and received a certificate along with another commemorative pin.
Level 3, Leader, focuses on local, district, regional, state, and national FBLA involvement, develops advanced business skills for members, and helps them members become community leaders. Two members achieved the BAA for Leader and received a certificate but will get their pins at the State National Conference in Birmingham on April 13.
Level 4, America, focuses on FBLA leadership at all levels, helps members hone advanced business skills, and instills a spirit of community involvement in members. Currently we do not have any members that have completed level 4. This award can only be received at the National Leadership Conference which is this Summer in Baltimore, Md. July 2.
Overall, the inaugural Emblem Ceremony was a success and very informative and rewarding for FBLA members. Members celebrated their successes with refreshments, drinks, and Valentine games at the conclusion of the ceremony.