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The 2020-21 Ruston High school year started with students both on campus and virtual, initially on an A-B schedule.

While it was sometimes hard to communicate as effectively as pre-COVID, the RHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) were determined not to let the year slide without a fight. And part of that fight included leading RHS FBLA through the year as well as plans for next year’s leadership.

As the chapter did last year, RHS FBLA repeated with three state officers elected/appointed for next year, and remains the only school that has had three state officers serve in the same year.

FBLA chapter historian Moriah Jackson, a junior at RHS, made the decision to run for state secretary. Having served as the RHJS chapter president, Moriah brought her experience as a leader and as a small business owner into her campaign. Moriah was also this year’s only national America Award winner. After the votes were tallied, Moriah prevailed and will now serve as next year’s Louisiana FBLA state secretary.

As a side note, Moriah was a virtual student this year, and did not let that hamper her success.

Matthew Daulton, a freshman student at RHS, chose to seek the office of District II Vice President. Having been a member of RJHS for two years, winning state championships and placed nationally during that time, Matthew brought his experiences forward and decided the time was right to become a leader in FBLA.

He is an Eagle Scout and his leadership and organizational skills were obvious, and even this year as a freshman he placed second in the state in Organizational Leadership against many more senior students. Matthew was elected and will now serve as District II vice president, keeping that office in the hands of RHS FBLA.

Peter Owen, RHS and Louisiana FBLA state parliamentarians, again tested for the same position for the upcoming year. Serving on the chapter’s PLAW team and leading the new team as they rebuilt with underclassmen in general, the team placed state runner-up. Peter earned his second year with his string score and will now serve again as the Louisiana FBLA state parliamentarian.

It is unclear at this time how the new state officer team will lead next year’s Louisiana FBLA state chapter, but it is a given that the new state leadership team is strengthen and will be ready to go despite the obstacles with the s string state officers that RHS FBLA has provided to the State Leadership Officer Team as they work with Louisiana FBLA State Chair Andrew Ducote, Louisiana FBLA State Adviser Lisa Deen, and the Louisiana State Committee.

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