Kearney, Mo., April 16, 2025: The Bulldogs demonstrated once again that they mean business during the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference on April 13-15 in Springfield.

Kearney High School’s contingent competed in a variety of events against other FBLA students from a pool of more than 13,000 across Missouri, according to business teacher and FBLA Advisor Alyssa Stevens.

The top four finishers in each category qualify for the National Leadership Conference this June. The Top 10 competitors receive medals and get recognized on stage.

Seven KHS students qualified for the national conference. KHS sophomore Bennett Freeman earned the FBLA state championship in the “Introduction to Business Concepts” category.

KHS Participants & Results:

• Bennett Freeman – STATE CHAMPION in Introduction to Business Concepts (National Qualifier), 8th in Banking and Financial Systems
• Casey Collins – 2nd in Introduction to Business Procedures (National Qualifier)
• Jane Martens – 2nd in Healthcare Administration (National Qualifier), Top 15 in Marketing
• Laken Staab – 4th in Introduction to Business Procedures (National Qualifier)
• Carter Smith – 4th in Organizational Leadership (National Qualifier), 6th in Sports and Entertainment Management
• Carter Brock – 4th in Management Information Systems (National Qualifier)
• Caleb Stevens – 4th in Management Information Systems (National Qualifier)
• Rylee Johnson – 5th in HR Management, 6th in Sports and Entertainment Management
• Lauren Karel – 5th in Agribusiness
• Parker Mendel – 6th in Economics
• Parker Bartlett – 6th in Sports and Entertainment Management
• Drew Nelson – 7th in HR Management
• Ezra Stuart – 8th in Banking and Financial Systems
• Joley Leach – 9th in Introduction to FBLA
• Avery Janiak – Top 15 in Marketing
• Taylor Jones
• Malarie Sheley
• Jacklyn Kirkland
• Travis Jarrett
• Milo Griffith

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. Intra-curricular activities include career exploration, civic service, economic education, and technical skill advancement. FBLA also works to encourage and support entrepreneurship. Visit www.mofbla.org to learn more about the organization.