The hard work of Future Business Leaders of America paid off at districts on Feb. 8, where eight students placed and three advanced to state.

The students competed against the entire district, which, with nine schools, is the largest district in the state of Missouri. Kelsey Meegan (12) placed fifth in accounting II, Blake Dillow (12) placed first in personal finance and fourth place in economics, Christian Weber (12) placed fourth place in business plan, Gage Thomas (12) placed third in sales presentation, Sierra Uko (10) and Sodaba Azas (12) placed fourth in global business, Blake Sprunk (12) placed sixth in economics, and Kevin Mitchell (12) placed second in both spreadsheet applications and word processing.

The students competed against other schools to test their business knowledge skills and answered questions about their category.

FBLA had three students who advanced to state: Meegan, Dillow, and Sprunk.

“I was shocked. I had no idea that I would place for state, but it’s a nice feeling,” Meegan said.

The next event is the state competition in Springfield, MO, on April 25 and 26. In preparation, the students are focusing on harder and more advanced questions to overpower their upcoming opponents at state.