Wendland Wins a First Place Award at FBLA National Conference

Rylan Wendland, a rising sophomore at Milbank High School, won a Gold Medal at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). Wendland won his award in the Intro to FBLA competition. The event tests members’ knowledge of the FBLA organization itself. It involves an objective test and aims to encourage members to learn about FBLA’s background and current information.

Wendland, Pierce Mathiason, Andrew Karels, Franco Flores, Armando Chan, Tate Pew, Keira Steffen, Debrianna Hicks, Samuel Shelstad and Graham Lightfield –all members of the MHS FBLA chapter –  attended the 2025 national conference held in Anaheim, California, from June 29 to July 2.  More than 15,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country also participated. South Dakota FBLA was represented by nearly 100 high school students and advisers from around the state. 

South Dakota State FBLA Leader Nikki Mark commented, “This was the largest group we’ve taken to the National Leadership Conference. It’s exciting to see South Dakota represented on the national stage. We are incredibly proud of Rylan for earning first place in the Introduction to FBLA competition. This remarkable achievement reflects his dedication, preparation, and passion for leadership and excellence in business.” 

Conference attendees competed in 100 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $120,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 120 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities, and employers. Some of the participating companies and groups were Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA, Empowerly, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, UWorld, MBA Research, National Retail Federation, National Technical Honor Society, PNC Bank Student Lending, TKS Worldwide, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Submitted Photo: back row- left to right, Graham Lightfield, Rylan Wendland, Pierce Mathiason, Samuel Shelstad, Tate Pew. Front, Keira Steffen, Andrew Karels, Franco Flores, Armando Chan and Debrianna Hicks.
Middle- Rylan Wendland.