CFNN Reporters Addie Wellons and Anna Kate Smith

This weekend, Cape Fear’s Future Business Leaders of America attended the State Leadership Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The group of 25 members departed from the Crown Coliseum at 7am sharp on Thursday, March 12th.

After their arrival, members attended workshops that enhanced their leadership and collaborative skills. These workshops featured team building exercises, life-size board games, and motivational speeches that impacted Cape Fear’s FBLA members greatly.

Alongside workshops were recognition tests. Recognition tests could be taken by all State Leadership Conference attendees. At the 2026 State Leadership Conference, recognition test topics included Ethics of AI, Business Math, Event Management, and Customer Service.

Cape Fear FBLA members including Addison Wellons, Madelyn Nichols, Josiah Gunn, Hannah Love, Liam Lucas, Anna Kate Smith, and Jakaree Melvin, all scored proficient on one or more recognition tests.

Aside from the academic based events, FBLA held their annual seated-volleyball tournament on Friday, March 13th. Cape Fear’s FBLA members not only have the brains, but the athleticism too!

“We’re going back to back, like Jordan 96-97,” said Deacon Eason, a junior in FBLA and player of the winning team.

The next day, Saturday, March 14th, the members attended the closing ceremony at the Sherotan.

Not only did they bring the competition, but the class too! The club matched in red blazers, ties, and suits on the last day of the convention.

Overall, Cape Fear’s FBLA returned from the conference with enhanced ideas, motivations, and cute new t -shirts! The members represented Cape Fear’s FBLA chapter with sophistication, maturity, and dedication throughout the weekend. Great job, Cape Fear FBLA! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.