Prince Frederick, MD – Four students from Calvert County Public Schools earned national recognition at the 2025 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, held June 29 to July 2 in Anaheim, California. Competing among thousands of students nationwide, these Calvert County Public Schools representatives showcased exceptional business knowledge and leadership skills, bringing pride to their schools and Maryland.
Ada Marciniak from Northern High School secured 5th place in Business Law, while Ihnaya Mason from Huntingtown High School also claimed 5th place in Computer Problem Solving. Amaria Jenkins, also from Huntingtown High School, earned 7th place in Organizational Leadership. Gentry Bowie of Northern High School was honored as Maryland’s “Who’s Who in FBLA” recipient. These accomplishments highlight the strength of Calvert County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which prepare students for competitive events like the FBLA National Leadership Conference.
The FBLA National Leadership Conference, a premier event for student leaders, offers competitive events, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities. This year’s Anaheim conference focused on innovation, global awareness, and modern business leadership. Calvert County Public Schools students excelled in rigorous competitions, demonstrating skills honed through dedicated preparation. “Walking across that stage, especially as the only woman, is surely an experience I’ll never forget,” said Ihnaya Mason, reflecting on her achievement.
Amaria Jenkins shared how the experience shaped her perspective: “The experience showed me that FBLA is so much bigger than our chapter or school. The weeks leading up to the NLC helped improve my study habits and inspired me to dream big – walking that stage in front of thousands of people and being a national winner. Meeting new people and feeling the energy was such an amazing opportunity. I cannot wait for next year!” Her words underscore the transformative impact of Calvert County Public Schools’ FBLA programs.
Lynne Gillis, FBLA advisor at Huntingtown High School, praised the students’ dedication: “Success in FBLA isn’t just about competition – it’s about commitment. These students turned hard work and determination into a national championship win.” Calvert County Public Schools supports such achievements through robust CTE programs, fostering skills in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
As a leading Career and Technical Student Organization, FBLA equips Calvert County Public Schools students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. The CTE program, integral to Calvert County Public Schools, offers pathways to local, state, and national competitions. For more details on FBLA and CTE opportunities, visit the Calvert County Public Schools website.
The success of these students reflects the strength of Calvert County Public Schools in nurturing talent. Acting Superintendent Dr. Susan Johnson celebrated the achievements, noting their significance for the entire community. Calvert County Public Schools continues to champion programs like FBLA, preparing students for future careers and leadership roles.
