Hundreds of eastern Oregon high school students come to EOU to practice and develop business skills

Hundreds of eastern Oregon high school students come to EOU to practice and develop business skills

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Hundreds of area middle and high school students in dress shirts and blazers roamed Eastern Oregon University’s campus on Thursday, Feb. 6 to participate in the Future Business Leaders of America Blue Mountain Region Skills Conference.

Students participated in skill-building, interview events, workshops, and tours. 

Imbler teacher Jacob Evers in his third year as an advisor to students said the event was perfect for getting young people to get out of their comfort zones and develop important communication skills. “The students are excited to compete and see how they measure up, to learn what is new and what is next,” Evers said. 

The top individuals from this round of competition advance to the state tournament.

La Grande High School student Faith Middleton reiterated what many students aspire to do, “get in front of people and get more comfortable with public speaking.”

Laura Gow-Hogge, Chair of the Business Administration Department, called the FBLA event an opportunity. “High school students don’t always have the opportunity to participate in face-to-face conversations. It is important that they are getting this chance to do things they wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to do,” said Gow-Hogge. “This is an opportunity to experience disappointment and success and learn from it.”

Gow-Hogge’s colleague, Professor Kevin Walker, said the workshops are a way to develop fundamental business skills and practice is the only way to improve.

During an award ceremony, students cheered on teammates as the names were announced for students who would be advancing to the next level, state competition. 

Three hundred seventy-seven students and 29 advisors were scheduled to attend the annual event.