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LVC Students Shine at FBLA State Leadership Conference and Qualify for Nationals

Students compete at the FBLA State Conference in March 2026. Business, accounting, academics L-R: Shelly Bliss, Ethan Schuler, Jeff LaRuffa, Sarah Shade, Lauren Atkins, Leigh Aten

Key Points:

  • Six LVC students placed among the top two in the state, including five with 1st Place honors
  • All qualify for national competition in Las Vegas in June
  • Students major in Accounting, Economics, and Exercise Science
  • Students qualified in seven competition areas

 

Lebanon Ƶ College students continued the College’s historic success and delivered outstanding performances at the in March. Five students earned top honors. Ethan Schuler ’27 (Accounting) earned 1st Place in the Sports Management & Marketing category, while Leigha Aten ’26 (Economics and Accounting), Lauren Atkins ’27 (Accounting), Jeff LaRuffa ’26 (Accounting), and Sarah Shade ’26 (Accounting) took home 1 st Place in the Accounting Case Study competition. They defeated students from much larger schools, including Penn State, Bloomsburg, and Duquesne.

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

The following students will represent Lebanon Ƶ College at in Las Vegas, Nev., from June 6-8. Four will compete in two categories.

  • Leigha Aten ’26 (Economics and Accounting), Lauren Atkins ’27 (Accounting), Jeff Laruffa ’26 (Accounting), and Sarah Shade ’26—1st Place, Accounting Case Study
  • Ethan Schuler ’27 (Accounting)—1st Place, Sports Management
  • Shelly Bliss ’27, D’29 (Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy)—2nd Place, Impromptu Speaking
  • Sarah Shade ’26 (Accounting)—2nd Place, Organizational Behavior & Leadership
  • Leigha Aten’26 (Economics and Accounting)—4th Place, Project Management
  • Lauren Atkins’27 (Accounting)—4th Place, Business Law
  • Jeff Laruffa’26 (Accounting)—4th Place, Job Interview

“These results highlight the talent, preparation, and professionalism of LVC’s FBLA students, who continue to excel on a highly competitive stage,” said Dr. Kimberlee Josephson, Associate Professor of Business Administration.

Support their journey here:.

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