After competing at state, Junior Jack Roberts earned a spot a Future Business Leaders of America nationals in Springfield, Mo. 

Roberts, along with 12 others, went to state in Introduction to Financial Math, business communication and Management Information System. 

“We had 19 FBLA state qualifiers this year, which is the most in Staley history.” said FBLA sponsor Erin Johnson. 

Roberts describes the competition as nerve-wracking because of how the countdown started as students got up on stage beginning with tenth place.

“It’s a constant relief every time you aren’t called,” said Roberts. “I was extremely nervous that i would get fifth place and be the one left on the stage not going.” Roberts said that he was in awe of the fact that he would be going to nationals when he heard he earned third place.

“It was crazy feeling to be up on stage and be recognized and the amount of congratulations I got from everybody, it was crazy,” Said Roberts.

Roberts earned third place in business communication; sophomore Keshvi Mahalingam earned eighth place in Introduction to Financial Math; and seniors Andrei Herman, Dillon Boatman and Kuran Kumar earned eighth place in Management Information Systems.

“Jack is a great student who deserves this opportunity, and I am very proud of him,” said FBLA sponsor Lesley Martin.