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Selma City Schools gained national recognition behind three FBLA program scholars.

Ciara Perkins, Braylon Williams, and Preston Williams were honored during Monday night’s Selma City Schools board meeting for placing fifth and sixth in the 2023 National Leadership Conference of Future Business Leaders of America.

Perkins and Braylon Williams are R.B. Hudson Steam Academy students. During the conference, Perkins made history as the first Selma City School FBLA member to make it to finals at Nationals for two consecutive years. Williams tested to earn an Ethics Leadership Certificate from FBLA Partner, MBA Research and Curriculum Center.

The School of Discovery’s Chapter of FBLA represented by Preston Williams placed third in fundraising for the March of Dimes.

The State of Alabama’s FBLA won first place in the nation raising $99.5K for the March of Dimes. Over 8,700 High School members from nearly 1,600 high schools and over 850 Middle School members,  and over 250 middle schools competed for cash prizes in more than 100 competitive events over four days.

Students also engaged in learning workshops, met with representatives from over 60 colleges, universities, and employers, and heard from Jordan Davis, an educational speaker, and FBLA alumnus, during the opening and closing ceremonies.

The conference was held in Atlanta on June 27- 30 attracting over 14,000 middle and high school students and educators nationwide.

SCS Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd expressed how proud he was for how much effort and dedication these scholars have and their parents, teachers, principals, and sponsors. 

“We are proud of our scholars at the School of Discovery. They didn’t let the hardship of losing their school building. 

“They didn’t let the hardship of losing their school building in a tornado in January deter them from achieving high academic standards,” Byrd said. “This competition will motivate our youth to strive for even higher educational goals during their high school and college years.”

SOD Principal Felica Tinker echoed Byrd’s praise about the determination and dedication the students showed this year in FBLA, especially at School of Discovery.

“Here at the School of Discovery, we always encourage our sixth graders to strive for excellence,” Tinker said. “Their determination and strong desire to learn all they can and compete are what led to them achieving the goal. They are top notch and an excellent representation of what the Selma City Schools District has to offer.”

FBLA President & CEO Alexander T. Graham said that overall did a great job wowing the judges at the conference.

“Our student members did an exceptional job in wowing the judges with their keen understanding of areas as diverse as accounting, cyber security, and health care administration,” Graham said. “They headed home with a renewed sense of accomplishment, a robust network of peers from across the country, and connections to colleges and employers as they explore future career opportunities.”