At the 75th FBLA State competition, sophomore Kyle Caudill took home fourth place in the business law category. The competition was held at the Hilton Resort Orlando.

“I did not truly expect to win it this year,” Caudill said. “I am looking forward to competing at nationals very much. I hope some of my other FBLA friends go with me so we can have a good time in California.”

All West Shore students at the conference were both surprised and excited for Caudill, with this being just his first year in the club.

“I was really happy for him. We were all screaming and everyone was really happy for him,” sophomore Matthew Marcinkowski said. “None of us expected anyone to win so we were all really surprised, but in a good way.”

FBLA President and state officer Joanna LaTorre had high praise for Caudill and recounted the award ceremony from her on-stage perspective.

“Standing on stage, lost in the routine of gathering students on stage, I was caught off guard as I heard a familiar name,” the senior said. “A wave of excitement overwhelmed me and I felt so proud that one of West Shore’s members was able to experience the amazing feeling of being on stage at a conference and getting recognition for hard work. I’ve never actually placed in an event at states, so I felt as if I got to share that experience with Kyle. I’m so grateful that my FBLA experience ended with our chapter gaining recognition.”

LaTorre’s run as West Shore’s FBLA president has come to an end.

“FBLA ignites a determination to be a better leader,” LaTorre said. “I’m happy that I can leave the organization in their hands.”

West Shore’s FBLA chapter has concluded all of its events for the year, however new members are will be welcomed at the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

By Alex Nixon