Cinco Ranch High School students represent Texas at the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California
By: Rishika Agarwal
Three Students Place in Finals
Left to Right, Bottom: Jayden Kioe, Gavin Zhang, Yuk Ki Wu, Gaurav Vatnani, Adhvai Reddy, Lucas Chen, Sean Zhou, Tae Yun.
Left to Right, Top: Sophia Tian, Jaidaa Tafish, Tiffany Wang, Erin Hua, Michelle Onianwa, Valentina Zhang
Sixteen Future Business Leaders of America students from Cinco Ranch High School attended the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, this summer. Each of these students worked very hard during the school year and had to place in the top four in Texas in their respective events during the State Leadership Conference back in February. Three Cinco Ranch students placed in the finals at Nationals. Leading the charge, sophomore Sean Zhou placed 3rd in the nation in Intro to Business Communication. Fellow sophomore Valentina Zhang placed 8th in Intro to Financial Math, & freshman Michelle Onianwa placed 6th in Intro to Parliamentary Procedure. Michelle shared, “When I won, it was the most surprised I have ever felt. I read the winners’ list wrong and only found out I placed after hearing everyone around me shout my name.” Valentina shared how surreal the moment felt, describing “even now, it still doesn’t feel real”. These moments weren’t just unforgettable for the winners but for all students from Cinco Ranch, who cheered and celebrated each other with pride & joy.
CRHS Students went to Disneyland
Every single one of the CRHS attendees has proven their dedication and brought pride to Cinco Ranch’s FBLA Chapter. However, competing was only a part of the trip. The students also got to experience Disneyland, going on rides like the Incredicoaster, the park’s fastest coaster, and Goofy’s Sky School, which gave the thrill of feeling like they were about to fall off the tracks. They enjoyed a dazzling fireworks show, and Valentina recalled, “the grand finale was so bright, it felt like daytime”. In the spirit of true future business leaders, students exchanged pins with peers from other states while proudly representing Texas with their own pins and cowboy hats. They also attended business-focused workshops, preparing themselves as the next generation of leaders.
Alyssa Jiang and Heather Tan host Workshop
Cinco Ranch High School is also home to two of FBLA Texas’ State Officers: rising seniors Alyssa Jiang, State Secretary, and Heather Tan, State Parliamentarian. At Nationals, the Texas State Officers hosted a creative workshop centered around building skits, interactively promoting teamwork and communication. This year, the school’s chapter earned the title of Champion Silver Chapter, a reflection of the commitment of each member to foster a strong community and explore the world of business.