Central Section Connection Winter 2009

President’s Corner Hello Central Section, I just wanted to start off by congratulating the Central Sec t ion members tha t graduated both the Officer Adviser Training Day at Corcoran High School and the Leadership Development-North which was held in Santa Clara. You all are now closer to achieving the Central Section Perfect award which will be awarded at the State Conference. Speaking of the State Conference, the date for this conference has changed from the date originally posted. The state conference will be held in Irvine on April 15-18, 2010. Imran Noorali, Central Section President

OAT Day Recap Shelina Noorali | Executive Secretary

The Central Section has done it again! Indeed, this past October 3rd was truly a blast, and a great head start to fueling your futures! Seventeen schools were present, bright and early at the Corcoran High School Gym for the Officers’ Advisers’ Training Day (OAT). Imran Noorali, our section president, began the conference by welcoming all the chapters and introducing the section officers. After a quick presentation by the section director, Mr. Robert Franklin, and a run through of other preliminary agenda items, each officer presented a workshop on one of the state projects. Through informative yet brief PowerPoints, each officer was able to convey the project’s main points and benefits. As the conference went on, the energy was kept alive through icebreakers. Some of them included the “Get To Know Your Section” icebreaker as well as the teambuilding “Magic Carpet!” activity. Soon enough it was time for Round Table Discussion! Each section officer was assigned a topic to research that would not only benefit the chapters, but also other goals the members may have. Some of these topics included “Running for Section Office” and “Fundraising”. Members were instructed to attend three, twenty minute, Round Table Discussions. In addition, each workshop was complete with handouts and visual aids to better help the members. After an exciting “Boardwalk” activity,

courtesy of Corcoran High School FBLA, each chapter headed for lunch outside. Fantastic weather and enthusiastic students were also one of the many reasons for such a successful OAT Day! As lunch came to a close, and after our “Dum Dum Diddy” energizer, Imran and all the advisers attended a meeting. Stephanie Chamberlain, our section Vice President, conducted the FBLA Big Bucks Bingo for all of the remaining members. Through an energetic activity, and an informative PowerPoint, Stephanie was not only able to create a chapter bonding activity, but also individually prepare each member for his or her “Future” degree of the Business Achievement Award. Afterwards, members attended a workshop specifically for their chapter’s officer position. All of the members attending the workshop received an officer packet instructing him or her how to carry on their duties as a chapter officer. After a fun filled and informative day, each officer had successfully completed OAT Day! The graduation ceremony gave each member individual recognition for their positive efforts at OAT Day. Along with a certificate, each member received the FBLA national pin from NLC as a token of appreciation. Overall, this conference was more than just a success; it was an achievement for the Central Section as a whole. Together, as the Central Section officer team, we would like to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication as FBLA officers. We wish you all the best in your chapters and in your individual FBLA year!

Central Section Connection Winter 2009 Page 2

Hello Central Section! I am your Central Section Historian/Parliamentarian, Felipe Garcia. Like my good friend Shelina, I am a Sophomore; however, I go to Corcoran High School instead. I play sports like many others: football to be exact (Go Panthers); for those who know the game, I play quick/right guard. This year I am Corcoran’s chapter president, but I am also very active in other clubs. I am a part of our school’s Air Force Junior ROTC officer team where I am a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant. I am also a part of the leadership council for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). All that, and I still balance my grades…don’t worry I am not failing any courses. I hope to see you all at CSLC!

Hello FBLA! My name is Betsy Figueroa, your Central Section Treasurer this year. I am currently a Junior at Corcoran High School and it’s my third year in FBLA. I extremely enjoy meeting new people, shopping, dancing, and singing; even though I am not good at singing. I also like traveling and one day I plan to travel all around the world. I am totally looking forward to meeting all of you and together make FBLA the best ever!

Central Section Officer Elections By Felipe Garcia, Central Section Historian/ Parliamentarian

Do you have great ideas for FBLA, and wish you had the chance to implement them? Well, here is you chance, Central Section Elections are on their way, and you can run to make a difference. Here are four easy steps to reach your opportunity: 1. Fill out your Officer Application (posted on the California FBLA website)

2. Mail Officer Applications postmarked by January 8 to Mr. Franklin, Central Section Director

3. Come for an for interview at Monache High School, 960 North Newcomb St. Porterville, CA, on January 23, 2010, at 10:30 A.M. along with your adviser.

4. Campaign at the Central Section Leadership Conference, at Monache High School, on February 27.

Remember, elections are coming up; don’t miss your chance to make a difference!

Central Section Leadership Conference Preview

By Betsy Figueroa, Central Section Treasurer

Guess what FBLA? Central Section Leadership Conference is just around the corner. This year you can enjoy it in Monache High School, on February 27. Get ready to compete, to elect next year’s officers, and possibly win valuable prizes in our March of Dimes drawing. In addition, there will be lots of fun activities at the McDermott Field House that afternoon. So get ready because we want you to join us, win prizes, earn recognition, become a possible Central Section leader, and meet new and interesting people. Register today and we’ll see you there!!!

Upcoming Dates for 2010

January 8—Central Section Officer Applications postmarked January 23—Central Section Officer Candidate interviews February 9—Central Section Leadership Conference registration postmarked

February 27—Central Section Leadership Conference March 16—Central Section Projects due

Did You Know… By Patty Ma, Central Section

Recording Secretary

• Anna Eshoo was once the Central Section President and is now the Pitman Co-adviser.

• Manteca High School FBLA was first activated in 1949.

• Our Central Section Director, Robert Franklin, has an adorable wiener dog named Gidget.

• Did you know we have three reactivated chapters: Tracy High School, Manteca High School, and Caesar E. Chavez High School in Delano, CA.

Betsy Figueroa

Felipe Garcia