PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Huntingtown High School student Amaria Jenkins has once again demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication by earning a top 10 national finish at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference.
Jenkins placed seventh in the nation in the Human Resources Management event at the 2026 conference, held June 29 through July 2 in San Antonio, Texas. The gathering attracted more than 16,100 students, advisers and business professionals, serving as the premier annual event for developing future business leaders.
This achievement marks Jenkins’ second consecutive year placing in the national top 10. In 2025, she secured seventh place in Organizational Leadership, establishing her as one of Maryland’s most accomplished and consistent FBLA competitors.
“Amaria’s accomplishment reflects an extraordinary level of commitment, preparation, and professionalism,” said Huntingtown High School FBLA Adviser Lynne Gillis. “She is one of the hardest-working students at Huntingtown High School, and her success is well deserved. We are incredibly proud of the way she represents our school, our community, and Maryland on the national stage.”
FBLA competitive events require students to qualify through local, regional and state levels, testing knowledge and skills in realistic business scenarios. The Human Resources Management event evaluates understanding of staffing, training, employee relations and performance management — critical areas that support organizational success.
Calvert County Public Schools supports student success through its Business Management and Entrepreneurship Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at all four comprehensive high schools. FBLA serves as the co-curricular Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that complements these programs, though participation remains open to all students regardless of enrollment in business courses.
The organization provides hands-on opportunities in leadership development, competitive events, career exploration and workforce readiness across areas such as business, technology, communications, finance, public speaking and more. Jenkins’ repeated national success highlights the strength of Huntingtown High’s chapter and the district’s CTE initiatives.
Looking ahead, Jenkins will serve as President of the Huntingtown High School FBLA Chapter for the 2026-2027 school year. In this role, she plans to build on her experiences by mentoring peers and encouraging broader participation in FBLA activities.
Calvert County students have built a strong tradition of FBLA excellence in recent years, with multiple top placements at state and national levels. These accomplishments not only bring recognition to the county but also equip participants with practical skills valued by colleges and employers.
Gillis and other advisers emphasize that FBLA success stems from consistent effort, study habits and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. Jenkins’ journey exemplifies how preparation and perseverance can lead to outstanding results on a national stage.
For Jenkins, the experience extends beyond competition. National conferences offer networking with peers from across the country, exposure to industry leaders and workshops that foster personal and professional growth. Her back-to-back top 10 finishes demonstrate sustained excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Calvert County Public Schools Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome and district leaders celebrate such achievements as they align with goals of preparing students for future success in a competitive global economy. Programs like FBLA help bridge classroom learning with real-world application, developing the leadership pipeline needed in Southern Maryland and beyond.
As Jenkins assumes her chapter presidency, she is poised to inspire the next wave of Huntingtown High FBLA members. Her story serves as a powerful example for students considering involvement in career and technical student organizations.
With strong support from advisers, families and the school community, Calvert County’s FBLA participants continue to elevate the district’s profile while gaining invaluable skills for college and careers.
