Thatcher Student Takes National FBLA Honors

Submitted by Ryan Hamilton, written by Diane Saunders

Taking home a trophy from the Future Business Leaders of America’s national conference three years in a row is an unusual feat, but Nathan Wright of Thatcher did it.

Wright, a 2011 graduate of Thatcher High School and a member of the school’s FBLA chapter, brought home sleek, angular trophies from national conferences in the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

In 2009, he competed against 72 students and took eighth place in sports management, and in 2010 Wright competed against 80 students and won third place in business law. This year, he placed fourth out of 82 competitors in personal finance, according to FBLA records.

“It is phenomenal. It is outstanding,” said Barbara Small, education director for the national level of FBLA. “At nationals, you’re talking about students from all over.”

Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with 250,000 students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. According to the FBLA, the association has the following divisions:

• Future Business Leaders of America for high school students.
• FBLA-Middle Level for junior high, middle and intermediate school students.
• Phi Beta Lambda, known as PBL, for postsecondary students.
• Professional Division for businesspeople, FBLA-PBL alumni, educators and parents who support the goals of the association.

In an Aug. 29 interview, Wright didn’t dwell on his accomplishments. Instead, he talked about the educational opportunities of the association.

“There’s so many things you can do. There’s something for everyone,” Wright said.

He mentioned a few areas in which students can explore their interests, including leadership, finances, business management, public speaking and desktop publishing.

His personal interest in 2009 was sports management.

“The more I learned about it, the more I realized that’s what I want to do,” Wright said.

He also developed an interest in business law. He said he eventually wants to go to law school and someday practice business law. He would also like to find a way to be involved with professional or college sports teams.

Before attending college, Wright will go on a two-year LDS Mission to Argentina.

Participation in FBLA helped him develop self confidence and become a better team player, Wright said.

“It’s a great organization for high school kids,” Wright said.

He also thanked his parents, Joel and Diane Wright, for supporting him in his FBLA activities, and Thatcher FBLA adviser Kara Calloway for helping him and other students succeed.