Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) is a nonprofit educational association of students preparing for careers in business and
business-related fields. The FBLA concept was developed in 1937 by Dr. Hamden L. Forkner of Columbia University. In the fall of 1940, official sponsorship of FBLA was accepted by the
National Council for Business Education; on February 3, 1942, the first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee. In 1958, the first Phi
Beta Lambda chapter was chartered in Iowa. Today, more than 240,000 active members participate in more than 13,000 chartered chapters in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
U.S. Territories, Canada and Department of Defense Dependent Schools worldwide.
FBLA-PBL consists of four divisions. FBLA is designed for high school students. The FBLA-Middle Level division serves the same purposes as FBLA, but is catered to middle school and junior high students. PBL is designed for postsecondary students so that the FBLA experience is available beyond high school. Finally, the Professional Division is composed of businesspeople, educators, parents, and anyone who supports the goals of the organization.
FBLA exists at the local, state, and national levels. Our local chapter is operated by an officer team and five advisers. We have over 100 members this year. Chopticon is part of Maryland Region IV. Erik Gyorgy is our Region IV Vice President.
Maryland FBLA holds conferences each fall and spring. Our state officers coordinate programs for the conferences and our local chapters. Mr. Lou Kaminski is our state chairman.
National FBLA-PBL is headquartered in Reston, VA. It is governed by national officers and a national Board of Directors. FBLA-PBL presents a variety of national programs which chapters may participate in at the local level.
Members visit national FBLA headquarters in Reston, VA.
Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
FBLA presents leadership opportunities at the local, state, and national levels. Members also participate in workshops designed to develop leadership and team-building skills.
Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
Through competitive events and various responsibilities, members are given opportunities to challenge themselves and learn of their true abilities. FBLA promotes activities that develop self-confidence.
Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise.
American Enterprise Day, November 15, alerts FBLA members of the value of the free enterprise system in which we live. Members learn about this system through our American Enterprise Project and various workshops and guest speakers.
Encourage members in the development of individual projects, which contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community.
FBLA prides itself in service, and Chopticon FBLA certainly reflects this dedication at the local level. Community service projects include our canned food drive, Christmas family, and alcohol abuse campaign.
Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
FBLA's Code of Ethics truly reflects the values necessary for tomorrow's business leaders. Members are presented to the value of citizenship through elections and projects, and they carry these values for the rest of their lives.
Encourage and practice efficient money management.
Fundraisers are a primary aspect of FBLA. In order to function efficiently, sufficient funds must be available. Members gain money management skills by participating in these fundraisers and being held accountable for their sellings.
Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
Members reflect scholarship through participation in competitive events that reflect academic and business prowess. Service to the school is emphasized as well, and members demonstrate their school loyalty by assisting with school functions as often as possible.
Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
Guest speakers, conferences, job-shadowing opportunities, and business tours all contribute to assisting students in developing career goals. FBLA directs students toward successful occupations in the business world.
Facilitate the transition from school to work.
Workshops, service projects, and scholarship opportunities all present members with skills necessary to enter the next phase of their lives. FBLA is an invaluable tool in making this transition.
I believe the future depends on mutual understanding and cooperation among business, industry, labor, religious, family, and
educational institutions, as well as people around the world. I agree to do my utmost to bring about understanding and cooperation
among all these groups.
I believe every person should prepare for a useful occupation and carry on that occupation in a manner that brings the greatest good
to the greatest number.
I believe every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life.
I believe every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation and that this right should not be denied because of race,
color, creed, sex or handicap.
I believe every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates,
school, and community.
I believe I have the responsibility to work efficiently and to think clearly. I promise to use my ability to make the world a better place
for everyone.
The Chopticon Career & Technology Department has always had a reputation for producing well
qualified students that are capable of becoming productive members of our society. Contributing to the
success of the Career & Technology Department is our local chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America.
Chopticon High School opened its doors in September 1965. Students from three different high schools
came together to begin to build a school that would become, as Dr. Julius A. Revay, first principal of
Chopticon, stated, "Second to none." The Chopticon FBLA chapter received its charter in 1966 under the
guidance of Mr. Benny Swim and Mr. Joseph Guffey. The next year, Miss Mary Frank Bales assumed the
leadership of FBLA. Mrs. Margaret Armentrout became our adviser the following year. Mrs. Armentrout
remained FBLA's chief adviser for the next 25 years. Mr. Ray Guy, a former Chopticon FBLA member, assisted
Mrs. Armentrout for 17 years and remains an adviser today. Mrs. Beverly Heater was also an adviser from
1972-1982. Mrs. Gail Hogue became FBLA adviser upon Mrs. Armentrout's retirement. In the years that
followed Mrs. Peggy Brown and Miss Michelle Fisher also assisted FBLA. In the fall of 1997 Mr. Dale Farrell,
a former FBLA member at Leonardtown High School, became Chopticon FBLA adviser. Today FBLA is advised by
five Career & Technology educators: Mrs. Gail Hogue, Mrs. Joan Titus, Mrs. Michelle Lowe, Mr. Dale Farrell, and Mr. Ray Guy.
Since the very beginning, Chopticon FBLA has been known for its services, achievements, and awards.
Members have received awards at the regional, state, and national levels. Over the years we have continually
been a Gold Seal Chapter. We have received Chapter of the Year awards at the state level numerous times.
Chopticon members, with their dedication and enthusiasm, will continue to carry on our rich heritage.
