Waukee CSD Students Shine at National FBLA Conference in California

Large Group Disney Option 1Twenty-three students from Waukee Community School District recently traveled to Anaheim, California, to compete at the 2025 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC), representing Waukee High School, Northwest High School, and Timberline School. These students earned their spots on the national stage by qualifying at the state level earlier this year.

During NLC, they joined more than 12,000 student leaders from across the country for a week of competition, leadership training, networking events, and national business sessions. Each competitive event hosted 120–130 participants, making for a highly competitive experience.

Laksha 3rd Place Option 2

NLC Competition Winners

Two Waukee CSD students earned national recognition for their outstanding performances:

  • Aditya Pethe, Waukee Northwest High School – 1st place, Impromptu Speaking
  • Laksha Suresh, Waukee High School – 3rd place, Social Media Strategies

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication, professionalism, and leadership our students demonstrated on a national platform,” said Waukee CSD FBLA advisor Janelle Larson. “Their achievements reflect countless hours of preparation and a strong commitment to excellence.”Screenshot 2025 07 08 at 1.17.41 PM

In addition to competing, students attended professional development workshops and gained hands-on experience in leadership, communication, and business strategy. They also made time to enjoy California’s sights and sunshine, creating memories with peers from across the country.