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EASTERN PBL STUDENTS TAKE TOP HONORS AT STATE CONFERENCE
(Press Release 4-29-02)
Office of Public Information
Hank Mooney

Tune Into Business—the theme of the 2001–2002 Oklahoma Future Business Leaders of America/Phi Beta Lambda Spring Conference was exactly what Eastern Oklahoma State's chapter of PBL did as it captured 25 awards—including Outstanding Chapter—at the annual conference, April 4–6 in Oklahoma City.

Josh Shipp, a dynamic, entertaining, and powerful youth motivator and humorist began the conference. Abandoned, neglected, and abused as a child, Josh's story of personal triumph over tragedy inspires young people to life their lives to the fullest. With the encouragement of a great foster home, dynamic teachers, school programs and community, Josh moved forward with strength and determination. He developed an unstoppable positive attitude and knows how to charge forward—no matter what!

Competitions began the next morning. Eastern students hurried from test taking to campaign booths as Eastern member Laura Morgan was a candidate for state president.

The awards program was held the next day. Local chapter Businessperson of the Year, Sue McCasland, was recognized at the state meeting for her support of Phi Beta Lambda. Eastern Oklahoma State members Kermit Millican, Laura Morgan, and Leah Hurley were named to Who's Who in Oklahoma Phi Beta Lambda.

Eastern students placing were: Lance Cogburn, Red Oak, 1st in Economics and 2nd in Accounting Principles; Laura Morgan, Wilburton, 1st in Job Interview and 2nd in Business Communication; David Smith, Crowder, 1st in Impromptu Speaking and 2nd in Business Principles; Virginia Fitzgerald, Crowder, 2nd in Business Law; David Bogard, Wilburton, 2nd in Information Management; Kermit Millican, Wilburton, 2nd in Networking Concepts; Cheryl (Chambers) Roberts, Wilburton, 2nd in Word Processing and 5th in Business Law; Bledar Taci, Talihina, 3rd in Computer Applications; Lawson Giddings, McAlester, 4th in Telecommunications; Melissa Barnes, Wilburton, 4th in Business Communication and 4th in Information management.

Teams placing included: Virginia Fitzgerald and Linda Cunningham, 2nd in Desktop Publishing; Lawson Giddings and Kermit Millican, 2nd in Network Design.

Chapter project placing and students participating were: 1st Place
American Enterprise Project—Melissa Barnes, David Bogard and Kermit Millican; 1st Place Chapter Annual Business Report—Shonda Bell and Laura Morgan; 2nd Place, Community Service Project—Shonda Bell, Cheryl Roberts and Linda Cunningham.

First and second place winners in state events advance to the national competition in Nashville, Tennessee, June 23–26.

In the closing ceremony, Laura Morgan was installed as the 2002–2003 PBL State president.

Two of Eastern's PBL co–advisors were named to key state positions for the 2002–2003 year. Ms. Estella Bennett–Mask was named Competitive Events Coordinator and Mrs. Linda Morgan was named PBL State Advisor. Mr. Harold Bogard also sponsors Eastern's chapter of PBL.

Photo caption info:

Seated: Shonda Bell, Wilburton; Laura Morgan, Wilburton; and Melissa Barnes, Wilburton.

Second Row: Vanessa Opperman, Oklahoma City; Ms. Estella Bennett–Mask, Co–Advisor; Bledar Taci, Talihina; Linda Cunningham, Snow; Virginia Fitzgerald, Crowder; Linda Morgan, Co–Advisor; and Cheryl Roberts, Wilburton.

Third Row: Harold Bogard, Co–Advisor; Kermit Millican, Wilburton; David Bogard, Wilburton; David Smith, Crowder; and Lance Cogburn, Red Oak.