News from NLC 2026

Kentucky FBLA returned home from the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference, held June 29–July 2 in San Antonio, Texas, with national champions, industry-recognized credentials, and another record-breaking year of achievement. A delegation of 547 Kentucky FBLA members, advisers, and chaperones represented the Commonwealth at the conference, participating in competitive events, leadership workshops, networking opportunities, and business-focused learning experiences alongside approximately 18,000 attendees from across the nation.

Kentucky students excelled in competition, with several advancing to the final round and earning their place on the national stage:

Middle School Division

• 1st Place: Owen Enlow, Word Processing – Community Christian Academy

• 9th Place: Maria Burton, Exploring Customer Service – Adair County Middle School

  
  

High School Division

• 2nd Place: Revil Miller, Public Speaking – Mayfield ATC

• 5th Place: Greta Matteson, Paige Fulkerson, Timothy Taylor, and Nathanial Caldwell, Parliamentary Procedure – Hart County High School

• 6th Place: Ken Chen, Public Administration and Management – South Warren High School

• 7th Place: Eli Skeen, Marketing – Corbin High School

• 7th Place: Preston Wang, Sports and Entertainment Management – Frederick Douglass High School

• 9th Place: Noah Lear, Organizational Leadership – Central Hardin High School

In addition to competitive success

• 611 Kentucky students received national recognition through FBLA's Business Achievement Awards and LEAD Awards, a member education program highlighting their commitment to leadership development, learning more about FBLA, expanding their business knowledge and becoming contributing citizens in their own communities.

• 62 of our chapters were recognized at the Southern Region Meeting for earning Champion Chapter status based on points accumulated through a series of membership recruitment and engagement focused challenges completed by students to earn national recognition in the form of banners, ribbons and digital certificates.

• 38 students and teachers earned one or more nationally recognized certifications in:

  • ASK Concepts of Finance

  • ASK Fundamental Business Concepts

  • ASK Fundamentals of Ethics

  • Middle School Ethical Leadership Exam

  • W!SE Financial Literacy Certification

The accomplishments at the national conference cap an extraordinary year for Kentucky FBLA. During the 2025–2026 membership year, the organization experienced nearly 20 percent membership growth in both its middle school and high school divisions, reflecting increased student engagement and chapter participation across the Commonwealth. Kentucky FBLA members also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving their communities by logging more than 3,500 hours of community service throughout the year.

"The accomplishments of our students this year are a reflection of their hard work, the dedication of our local advisers, and the unwavering support of schools, families, and communities across Kentucky," said Sheena Searcy, Kentucky FBLA State Adviser.

"Whether earning national recognition in competition, achieving industry certifications, or serving their communities, our members continue to demonstrate the leadership and professionalism that define Kentucky FBLA."

As the organization begins the 2026–2027 membership year, Kentucky FBLA looks forward to building on this momentum while continuing to stand on its pillars of Service, Education, and Progress, empowering students to become the next generation of business leaders. Kentucky FBLA is the premier Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business and related fields. Through leadership development, academic competitions, community service, and career preparation, Kentucky FBLA equips students with the skills needed to succeed in college, careers, and life.