Courtesy of Simsboro High School
Simsboro High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter has earned national recognition, as its Partnership with Business team — LaJayden Drake, Jalen Outley, and Omarion Rushing — placed 6th in the nation at the 2025 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California.
Their project focused on a partnership with WRLDINVSN, a Louisiana-based clothing brand that stands for ambition, purpose, and community empowerment.
It was the team’s personal motto — “1 Life. 1 WRLD. 1 VSN.” — that gave their project heart. It became more than a slogan; it became a message they lived by and shared throughout their school and town.
The phrase symbolized the team’s belief that every individual has one life to live, one world to impact, and one vision to pursue. With that mindset, the group set out to not only complete a competitive business project, but to inspire their peers to think bigger and aim higher.
“Our goal was to show people that vision has power,” said Jalen Outley. “No matter where you come from, if you have a vision and you stay committed to it, you can make something great happen.”
Throughout the project, the team worked closely with WRLDINVSN to explore how a strong brand identity and mission can influence a community. They created digital content, sold 1-1-1 branded apparel and bracelets, built connections with students, and spread their motto throughout the school — encouraging others to pursue their own goals with boldness and belief.
The impact was immediate. Students began engaging with the team’s message, and community members recognized the value of what they were doing. It was more than business — it was leadership in action.
“This project lit a fire in our school,” said Omarion Rushing. “We weren’t just talking about business. We were talking about purpose, mindset, and reaching for something bigger than yourself.”
“Being able to use this project to give back to the community, more specifically donating $3,000 to the local Boys and Girls Club, was nothing short of amazing,” said Lajayden Drake. “Seeing the smiles on everyone’s face proved that what we did made a big impact on the next generation.”
Simsboro FBLA adviser Kaitlyn Mercer shared their pride in the team’s journey.
“They didn’t just complete a project — they sparked a movement,” said Mercer. “Their message was authentic, and their success is a reflection of who they are as young leaders.”
Mercer was also recognized on the national stage as Louisiana’s 2025 Outstanding Adviser of the Year, proving how hard she’s worked with the Simsboro FBLA chapter as a whole this year.
Placing 6th nationally is a milestone for Simsboro FBLA, but the legacy of “1 Life. 1 WRLD. 1 VSN.” will live on in the hearts of the students and the community they inspired.
