HERSHEY, PA — Students from Western Wayne High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and professionalism at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference held this week in Hershey.
Throughout the multi-day conference, students participated in a wide range of enriching experiences designed to build career readiness and leadership skills. Attendees engaged in competitive events, attended dynamic leadership workshops, explored career pathways at the expo, and collaborated with peers from across the state. These sessions provided students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, hallmarks of FBLA’s mission to prepare students for success in business and beyond.
Western Wayne proudly celebrates Grady Farley, who earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness, qualifying him for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. This exceptional accomplishment reflects his dedication and expertise.
The chapter also congratulates Kaelyn Chearney for her 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA, showcasing her strong foundational knowledge and competitive spirit.
In the Business Ethics event, the team of Khloe Mistishin, Maggie Kotchessa, and Grace Moser advanced to the final round, demonstrating excellence in ethical reasoning, teamwork, and presentation skills at a highly competitive level.
Western Wayne FBLA members competed across a wide range of events, including:
- Abigail Bell – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
- Eli Bilski – Human Resource Management
- Paul Borowski – Banking and Financial Systems
- Julia Burry – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
- Robert Carrelle – Banking and Financial Systems
- Kaelyn Chearney – Introduction to FBLA
- Makenzie Chearney – Journalism
- Roxanne Dugan – Healthcare Administration
- Paityn Duprey – Business Communication
- Grady Farley – Agribusiness
- Madison Forgione – Future Business Educator
- Raegan Fox – Member at Large/Voting Delegate
- Lillian Gilchrist – Introduction to Supply Chain Management
- Charlianne Hachikian – Business Law
- Justin Jimenez – Real Estate
- Madison Kizer – Advertising
- Kaitlyn Kloss – Introduction to FBLA
- Maggie Kotchessa – Business Ethics
- Raeleigh Kromko- Computer Applications
- Kelsey Lokuta – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
- Aiden Matthews – Banking and Financial Systems
- Kyle Matthews – Introduction to Information Technology
- Madelyn McClure – Organizational Leadership
- Khloe Mistishin – Business Ethics
- Grace Moser – Business Ethics
- Madison Trapanese – Hospitality and Event Management
- Graysen Valinski – Networking Infrastructure
- Avery Vinton – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
- Bryn Vinton – Business Communication
- Madelyn Vinton – Computer Applications
- Annie Williams – Job Interview
In addition to competitive success, several students were recognized for their leadership contributions at the regional level. Madelyn McClure was honored for her service as the 2025–2026 Region 22 Treasurer and was officially welcomed into her new role as the 2026–2027 Region 22 President, a testament to her leadership and commitment to FBLA.
The chapter also recognizes Raegan Fox and Abigail Bell, who served as Members-at-Large and voting delegates, representing Western Wayne in important conference decisions and leadership proceedings.
The State Leadership Conference is an incredible opportunity for our students to grow as leaders, connect with peers, and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. As their adviser, I am extremely proud of their hard work, accomplishments, and the way they represented Western Wayne. Students were also accompanied by Mrs. Megan Rush and Mr. Tim McClure, who are themselves WW FBLA Alumni.
The Western Wayne FBLA chapter looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and wishes Grady Farley the best of luck as he prepares to compete on the national stage this summer.
Picture one, front row, from left: Lillian Gilchrist, Madison Kizer, Kaelyn Chearney, Madison Trapanese, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, and Maggie Kotchessa. Second row, from left: Madison Forgione, Madelyn McClure, Makenzie Chearney, Bryn Vinton, Annie Williams, Paityn Duprey, Madelyn Vinton, Julia Burry, Kaitlyn Kloss, and Avery Vinton. Third row, from left: Raegan Fox, Grady Farley, Abigail Bell, Eli Bilski, Kyle Matthews, Paul Borowski, Graysen Valinski, Robbie Carrelle, and Aiden Matthews.
Picture two, from left: Kaelyn Chearney, 10th-place finish in Introduction to FBLA; and Grady Farley, 4th-place finish in the event of Agribusiness.
