The Bolivar High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) demonstrated exceptional professional skill and school pride at the Missouri FBLA State Leadership Conference, held April 12–14, 2026, in Springfield. Among a field of the state’s most talented young leaders, 27 Bolivar students qualified for the prestigious event, with several securing top-tier finishes and advancing to the national level.

The conference, which brings together thousands of students from across Missouri to compete in business and leadership categories, saw Bolivar students clinch two first-place titles and a second-place finish, all of which qualify them for the upcoming National Leadership Conference.

Top State Results:

• Public Speaking: Rhyan Roberts – 1st Place (National Qualifier)

• Broadcast Journalism: Jaylee Bryant and Hannah Watkins – 1st Place (National Qualifiers)

• Website Design: Lydia Tilley, Jaylee Bryant, and Aby Kaufmann – 2nd Place (National Qualifiers)

For the students, the victory was the result of months of preparation and a deep connection to their local community. The first-place Broadcast Journalism team of Jaylee Bryant and Hannah Watkins turned their focus toward Bolivar’s own traditions for their winning entry.

"The FBLA state conference was a blast! Hannah and I had the privilege of sharing a news broadcast about Beef Days, a wonderful event in our community," said Jaylee Bryant. "We infused lots of our creative humor in the broadcast by mooing and eating burgers as well."

Hannah Watkins echoed the sentiment, noting the value of the platform FBLA provides. "I have loved getting to shed light on unique community events like Beef Days through FBLA, while competing with some of my best friends," she said.

In the highly competitive Public Speaking category, Rhyan Roberts stood out among the state’s best to take home the gold. "I am extremely grateful for the amazing opportunities and the wonderful community of people FBLA has provided me," Roberts said. "I have such a passion for public speaking, and it was truly an honor to compete at state; to win was unreal."

In addition to the national qualifiers, Bolivar students earned high-ranking spots in the following categories:

• Social Media Strategies: Kami Bryan and DeLaney Daniels – 7th Place

• Career Portfolio: Ellie Samek – 9th Place

• Top 15 Finalists: Adelyn Carrel (Public Service Announcement), Aubrey Cowden and Emma Goodman (Visual Design), and Elijah Roller (Digital Video Production).

The Bolivar FBLA chapter will now shift its focus toward the National Leadership Conference, where its top qualifiers will represent Missouri on the national stage this summer.