Front (l-r): Craig Rhinehardt, Sarah Sambataro, Emily Sullens; Back (l-r): Mia Sharpton, Susie Berry, Ryan Norton, and Debra Herbert
The Georgia Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) state competition was held in Atlanta April 10-11. Several North Georgia Technical College PBL members from both the Clarkesville Chapter and The Blairsville Chapter competed. Six students have earned the honor to travel to Chicago and participate at the National Competition.
“It takes a great deal of courage and stamina to step out of your comfort zone, attend, and compete at these events,” said NGTC PBL Advisor Tim Green. “I am very proud of each and every one of them.”
Competing this year were Craig Rhinehardt of Young Harris, Mia Sharpton of Clayton, Emily Sullens of Alto, Debra Herbert of Lavonia, Susie Berry of Cleveland, Ryan Norton of Lavonia, Sarah Sambataro of Blairsville, and Ethan Banner of Morganton.
Those who achieved first or second place in their events are eligible to compete at the National Level. Placing first at the State competition were Emily Sullens in Accounting for Professionals and the Parliamentary Procedures team consisting of Emily Sullens, Susie Berry, Mia Sharpton, Ryan Norton and Debra Herbert. Placing second were Ryan Norton in Justice Administration, Mia Sharpton in Accounting for Professionals, and Craig Rhinehardt in Accounting Principles.
Other achievements included Sarah Sambataro as a finalist in Job Interview and also a competitor in Organizational Behavior and leadership, Craig Rhinehardt as a competitor in Retail Management, Ethan Banner as a competitor in client Service, Susie Berry as a competitor in Job Interview, and Debra Herbert as a competitor in Word Processing.
In addition to the student events, the college advisors were also given the opportunity to compete to learn first hand what the students were going through. Accounting Instructor Dustin Emhart placed first in Global Awareness and Business Calculations while Safety Instructor Brad Cagle placed second. Tim Green continues to serve on the PBL State Executive Committee.
“Working at the state level I see the students as they come in and I get to see them when they leave,” said Green. “These events have a lasting impact on them, their studies, and their determination. To see students come into our programs and watch them blossom into something they each never dreamed they could be makes them all winners.”
Phi Beta Lambda is the post secondary extension of Future Business Leaders of America. With chapters in the majority of accredited colleges across the state, the NGTC chapter has been honored to have representatives advance to the national competition each year.
For more information on PBL, visit www.fbla-pbl.org. For more information on North Georgia Technical College’s programs of study or professional organization affiliations, contact 706-754-7700.
