For students at Adair County High School, Future Business Leaders of America offers more than a chance to learn about business. It provides opportunities to serve the community, develop leadership skills and discover potential beyond the classroom.
The chapter has a long history at ACHS, dating back to the 1980s. After several inactive years in the 2000s, former adviser and current Assistant Principal JR Thompson relaunched the program in 2021 with no students. Since then, the chapter has grown to more than 200 members and earned national recognition, Thompson said.
During his five years as the primary adviser, Thompson watched students gain confidence, pursue leadership positions and represent their school at regional, state and national competitions.
“FBLA provides students with opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional classroom,” Thompson said. “While students develop valuable business knowledge and career-specific skills, some of the most important benefits come from the personal growth, confidence, leadership, and real-world experiences they gain through participation.”
FBLA offers competitive events in fields ranging from personal finance and accounting to graphic design, journalism and entrepreneurship. Students compete through objective tests, presentations, role-play scenarios and team projects.
“Many people think FBLA is solely a business-related club, but people can compete in many different fields,” FBLA President Weston Bullock said.
Bullock, who is in his second year with the organization, said FBLA gives him a platform to develop his leadership skills while serving others.
“FBLA has worked as an outlet for me to better serve my community and the people in it,” Bullock said.
For senior Kolt King, FBLA has provided a similar opportunity to grow. A member since his freshman year, King now serves as Region 2 Kentucky FBLA president for the 2026-27 school year, helping other students develop their skills and leadership abilities.
“Probably having a platform to impact people and help people grow their skills,” King said of his favorite part of the organization. “I have a huge passion for public speaking, so getting to help other people in that as the Region 2 president is probably my favorite part.”
King’s own public speaking journey reflects that growth. He recalled becoming so nervous during a state competition as a freshman that he walked out on the judges. Since then, he has gained confidence and won state public speaking competitions through both FBLA and Beta Club.
“FBLA has really shown me how contributions of individuals can help reach or achieve a common goal, and probably my public speaking skills,” King said.
Beyond competitions, King values the connections students make at conferences and the opportunity to represent Adair County. Competing against students from larger and private schools across Kentucky and the country can make members from a small rural community feel like underdogs, he said.
“When you go and compete, you’re kind of an underdog,” King said. “There’s something about being from a small town and getting to go compete that really stokes that fire in you.”
King believes more students could benefit from FBLA if they understood the range of opportunities it offers, particularly those who have not found their place in other extracurricular activities.
“I think that everybody has a spot in FBLA, no matter what you’re good at,” King said. “FBLA is just the most welcoming place or organization that I know of.”
Thompson said the chapter’s growth reflects the opportunities students have to challenge themselves and discover their potential, regardless of where they come from.
“I want our students to understand that they can compete, lead, innovate, and succeed on any stage in the country,” Thompson said. “They deserve the same opportunities as students anywhere else.”
As Thompson transitions into his role as assistant principal, Cameron Dukes is serving as the chapter’s new adviser. Dukes participated in FBLA as a high school student and credits his mother’s career and involvement in the organization with inspiring his own interest in business.
“With my mom being a business leader in a Fortune 40 company, she’s always inspired me to follow in the path of business,” Dukes said.
Thompson is confident the chapter will continue growing under its new leadership, providing students with opportunities to build relationships, serve others and prepare for their futures.
Bullock encourages students interested in joining to get involved, even if they have no prior experience.
“The sooner you join, the better,” Bullock said. “You don’t have to be in it for years to have a leadership role. Every member plays a crucial role in our chapter.”
Through competition, service and leadership, ACHS FBLA continues to help students develop skills that extend beyond high school and into their future careers and communities.
