Members of the Kossuth High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently competed at the State Leadership Conference held at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, and the results were nothing short of outstanding. Demonstrating dedication, talent, and a commitment to excellence, 15 out of 19 students qualified for the National Leadership Conference this summer in San Antonio, Texas.
2025-2026 Officer Team:
President, Kasen Smith
Vice-President, Grant Bolton
Secretary, Kamron Patel
Treasurer, Riley Mullins
Reporter, Carson Rausch
Pictured are this year's state winners. L to R Front Row: Kenlee Null, Chelsey Thrasher, Jacey Meeks, Advisor Myra Barnes, Graham Bradley, Jacob Spencer, Shyann Manner, Layla Hardin, Carter Wilbanks, Brentlee Waldon. Back Row: Riley Mullins, Grant Bolton, Kamron Patel, Kadience Lewis, RJ Calvert, Kasen Smith.
These achievements reflect weeks of preparation, as students practiced presentations, studied for objective tests, and refined their skills in a variety of competitive events. Their hard work paid off in a big way, with Kossuth earning five first-place finishes at the state level.
Leading the way was the team of Kasen Smith and Kamron Patel, who earned 1st place in Community Service Project, titled, “Helping Hands,” which focused on providing essential items for foster children in the local community. Their project exemplified leadership, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference.
Kasen Smith & Kamron Patel - State Champion - Community Service
Grant Bolton placed 1st in Digital Video Production with a project featuring an interview with KHS alumnus Tanner Marlar of Tanner Marlar Media, highlighting real-world connections and how FBLA truly helps shape individuals into successful members of society. 
Grant Bolton - State Champion - Digital Video Production
Layla Hardin also earned a 1st place finish in Introduction to Business Procedures, showcasing her strong understanding of foundational business concepts. Layla was also recently a part of the FFA State Champion Dairy Judging team. 
Layla Hardin - State Champion - Introduction to Business Procedures
In Public Service Announcement, the team of Graham Bradley, Jacob Spencer, and RJ Calvert earned 1st place with a powerful message centered on cyberbullying awareness. Their project demonstrated both creativity and a strong understanding of an important issue affecting students today.
Graham Bradley, Jacob Spencer, RJ Calvert - State Champion - Public Service Announcement
Shyann Manner, Alyssa Skelton, and Kadience Lewis also captured 1st place in Event Planning, showcasing their ability to organize and execute a detailed and effective event plan.
Shyann Manner, Alyssa Skelton (not pictured), Kadience Lewis - State Champion - Event Planning
Additional top performers included Carter Wilbanks, who earned 2nd place in Computer Problem Solving, and multiple teams who secured 3rd place finishes and national qualification. Riley Mullins and Chelsey Thrasher placed 3rd in Visual Design with their innovative approach to reinventing a recruitment booth. Jacey Meeks and Kenlee Null also earned 3rd place in Broadcast Journalism, where they created a promotional piece highlighting the local PRCA rodeo at the Crossroads Arena.
Carter Wilbanks - 2nd Place - Computer Problem Solving (former 2x state champion)
Riley Mullins, Chelsey Thrasher - 3rd Place - Visual Design
Jacey Meeks, Kenlee Null - 3rd Place - Broadcast Journalism
Riley Mullins received special recognition as KHS FBLA Who’s Who and the FBLA Northern District Outstanding Student. Riley’s leadership extends beyond competition, as he, along with Chapter Secretary Kamron Patel, dedicated significant time to mentoring middle-level FBLA students. They stayed after school to conduct mock judging sessions, assist with practice tests, and help younger students prepare for their own competitions.
Riley Mullins - Kossuth High School Who's Who | Northern District Most Outstanding Student
Treasurer Riley Mullins, Advisor Myra Barnes, & Secretary Kamron Patel
At Kossuth High School, FBLA is more than just an organization. FBLA is truly a family. The support, encouragement, and teamwork displayed by these students are a testament to the strong culture within the chapter.
The Kossuth FBLA chapter looks forward to representing their school and community at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio this summer. Congratulations to all students on an incredible accomplishment!