08/20/2026
The Albany School District Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) clubs had a successful school year. FBLA helps middle school and high school students prepare for careers in business through academic competitions, leadership development, and community service. Richard Wachholz, Business Education Teacher, advises the club at the middle school and high school level.
The high school club saw strong participation and competition during the year. The high school members were Beckett Wachholz, Kylie Whalen, Tatum Doescher, Mia Scott, Peyton Monasmith-Pickett, Raegan Hollis, and Brielle Smith. Beckett, Tatum, Mia, Peyton, Raegan, and Brielle all placed in the top 5 in regional competition, with Mia Scott, Raegan Hollis, and Brielle Smith placing in the top three and qualifying for the State conference in Green Bay, WI. Tatum Doescher also joined the group in Green Bay, participating in the Leadership Academy at the FBLA State Conference.
The 2025-2026 school year was the first year FBLA was offered to middle school students. Six students - Maddie Hall, Jena Jones, Chase Monson, Chase Stone, Carter Crain, and Matthew Thompson - joined the middle school FBLA club. This group experienced regional- level competition, traveling to West Bend High School, and state-level competition with a trip to the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Three members, 7th grader Jena Jones and 6th graders Carter Crain and Chase Monson, were able to qualify for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX. From June 29th to July 2nd, these three students attended workshops, made connections with other FBLA members, and participated in their assigned competitive events. Jena, Carter, and Chase also want to thank their families and friends who supported them on this trip.
Finally, the FBLA club wants to thank all community members for their contributions to our shoe drive fundraiser. The club collected almost 3,000 pairs of shoes and raised over $2000 for the club. That money will support the club’s future events and competitions. The club also awarded the Albany School District classrooms that collected the most shoes with ice cream and pizza parties to honor their contributions!