The hallways of Maharishi School are buzzing with more than just the usual academic energy this week. On Saturday, December 6, five of our students traveled to the FBLA District 5 competition at Fairfield Middle School, and the results were nothing short of spectacular.

Facing off against seven other schools, our students secured a staggering number of top-three finishes. While the trophies and certificates are a point of immense pride, they represent something much deeper: the cultivation of the next generation of conscious, capable business leaders.

The winners’ circle

Our small but mighty team proved that focus and preparation are the keys to success. Please join us in celebrating:

• Sohani:
  • 1st place: Introduction to Business Concepts
  • 2nd place: Introduction to Marketing Concepts
• Clary:
  • 1st place: Public Administration
  • 2nd place: Agribusiness
• Sonhi
  • 1st place: Real Estate
  • 1st place: Securities and Investments
• Camille:
  • 1st place: Marketing
  • 2nd place: Advertising
• CiCi:
  • 3rd place: Visual Design
• Team event (Camille & Clary):
  • 4th Place: Graphic Design
    

What is FBLA?

For those new to the name, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest business career and technical student organization in the world. It is designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the corporate world, helping students in middle school and high school develop “aggressive” business leadership skills.

FBLA is built on three main pillars: service, education, and progress.

1. Real-world competitive events

The competitions our students just conquered are not just “tests.” They are industry-validated events that simulate the workforce. Students can compete in over 60 categories, ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Coding to Public Speaking and Financial Math. These events require students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, often presenting their solutions to a panel of judges who are professionals in their fields.

2. Leadership development

FBLA isn’t just for future CEOs. It’s for anyone who wants to lead with confidence. Members have the opportunity to hold officer positions at the local, state, and even national levels. They attend leadership conferences where they network with thousands of peers from across the country, learning how to direct a group, manage projects, and communicate effectively.

3. Scholarship and career opportunities

Being a member of FBLA opens doors. Many universities recognize the dedication required to succeed in this program, offering exclusive scholarships to active FBLA members. Additionally, through their Business Achievement Awards (BAA) program, students can build a professional portfolio that gives them a significant head start on college applications and internships.

Why FBLA fits at Maharishi School

At Maharishi School, we often talk about “cultivating the knower.” FBLA provides the perfect “field of action” for this. By combining our Consciousness-Based Education — which develops the student’s inner clarity and creativity — with the practical, high-stakes environment of FBLA, our students learn to perform under pressure with a sense of calm and focus.

“Watching our students take home these awards is wonderful,” says Brett Potash, Maharishi Head of School. “But watching them walk into a room of experts and speak with such poise and deep understanding of global business issues is the real victory.”

What’s next?

This District win is just the beginning. Many of our students have now qualified for the State Leadership Conference, where they will compete for a chance to represent Iowa at the National Leadership Conference this summer.

Did you know that there is a K-12 Consciousness-Based™ education opportunity? To learn more about Maharishi School, visit www.maharishischool.org

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Rhian Tomassetti is the MIU News editor for Maharishi School