A record number of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students from Grand Junction High School have qualified for the 2026 state competition.
Following a dominant district competition held on Feb. 2 at Colorado Mesa University, 38 out of 43 students qualified for the Colorado FBLA State Leadership Conference. This is the most qualifiers GJHS has had in over eight years.
For competitions, which always start at the regional level and advance, FBLA members decide between individual, team, or chapter categories, covering topics like marketing, finance, and technology. Members typically enter up to two individual/team events and one chapter event, with events ranging from objective tests to presentations and role-play events.
“FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences,” says the official FBLA website.
According to GJHS teacher and club advisor of FBLA Suzanne Dunlap, who has held the position for five years, the team is heading to Denver April 2-4.
GJHS students have placed at state in the past, with Dean Withers placing third and Alex Kirch earning national recognition for his BAA Capstone project in the 2025-2026 year.
Per tradition, state qualifiers will be staying at the famous Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.
“I am very confident [about] placing at state this year,” said GJHS junior and FBLA member Callum Orr, who has been a member of FBLA for two years and has qualified for state in the past.
Students who perform well and qualify for the National Leadership Conference are invited to travel to San Antonio, Texas from June 29-July 2 to compete.
For those interested in joining FBLA, meetings take place every Monday during lunch and occasionally after school. Contact Dunlap for more information and look ahead to an update on FBLA’s performance at state.
