PFEFFERKORN ELECTED STATE FBLA PRESIDENT

Josh Pfefferkorn got a lesson in campaign politics at the Future Business Leaders of America state leadership conference April 20.

The lesson was well-learned. Pfefferkorn, a Jackson High School junior, was elected state FBLA president for the 1999-2000 school year. Pfefferkorn indicated that the campaign at the conference was much like a real-life political rally.

"It was just like a regular campaign," he said. "You had a campaign booth behind you and people asked you questions. The place was full of people and you had to meet as many of them as you could in an hour and a half."

The campaign's theme was "Swing into the New Millennium with Josh," and featured and featured a skit and swing dance with partner Cara Thoma. Kelly Shields served as his campaign manager, while Megan Kuntze and Beth Beckler campaigned for him. Other Jackson members aided in the skit.

"I didn't do it alone," Pfefferkorn said. "Everybody worked really hard. The voting delegates really seemed to like the swing dance routine."

He was also quick to give credit to FBLA advisers Becky Riney and Kathy Hecht.

"They donate an unbelievable amount of time to FBLA," Pfefferkorn said, "and they've spent countless hours helping me and other members."

Pfefferkorn will attend the FBLA National leadership Conference in Chicago, will preside at the Executive Council and Leadership Training in Columbia and the State Leadership Conference. He will also be representing the FBLA by giving a welcome at the National 4H Summer Congress and will be speaking before local organizations.

The practice may prove beneficial to Pfefferkorn, who is considering a career in law and possibly politics.

The successful election capped an enjoyable year of FBLA activities, for Pfefferkorn.

"It felt pretty good," he said. "FBLA is such a great experience and the conferences are awesome. Everybody has a lot of fun."

Pefferkorn is the school's second state FBLA president in three years. Dean Bucher held the title during the 1997-98 school year.

Pfefforkern is available to speak before any interested local groups. Organizations should contact Pfefferkorn, Riney or Hecht at the high school, at 243-9513.