Fairfield FBLA boasts success at nationals, and first ever state president

FAIRFIELD – Fairfield’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America is soaring to new heights, and club members got to celebrate those accomplishments before the Fairfield school board Monday night, Aug. 18.

Three members of the club, all going into their senior year, addressed the board about what they had done in the past year, culminating in the FBLA National Leadership Conference June 29-July 1 in Anaheim, California. There, Fairfield FBLA members Kayla Karangi and Aja Dorothy were recognized for their excellent presentation in Graphic Design, where they placed in the Top 15.

And that was not the only major accomplishment for Fairfield’s FBLA in 2025. Club member Caroline Van Pelt won election to become Iowa FBLA President, marking the first time a Fairfield student has achieved this honor in the group’s history. Van Pelt’s mother, Kate Van Pelt, introduced the three girls to the board, since she is the school’s new FBLA Advisor and FHS Business Teacher. Kate has been active in FBLA for several years, previously serving as President of Friends of FBLA.

“They really inspire me, especially the kids I take to nationals every year because I see how much better they get at the presentation from districts to state and then to nationals,” Kate said.

Kate said the three seniors with her Monday were all so shy when they were younger, but they’ve all enjoyed tremendous success in FBLA, going to nationals all three years of high school thus far.

“I couldn’t have imagined them speaking in front of the school board or doing the things they’ve been doing,” she said. “I think [FBLA] has changed their lives, and it’s because of the work they’ve put in. It’s going to help them get internships, get into colleges and get jobs.”

Kayla said she joined FBLA because she liked the variety of events and presentations available.

“In school, I’ve always done projects where I have to present in front of people, and FBLA was the first time where I had to present and be judged on it, so that was a bit of a learning curve,” she said. “But I wasn’t too put off by it, and the more events I’ve done and the more I’ve progressed through FBLA itself, it’s gotten me more and more used to it.”

Aja said she feels like she’s grown as a person each year of FBLA as she feels more comfortable speaking in front of an audience.

“I’m still nervous, but it’s better than before because I’ve gone through it, so I know what to expect and how to get through it,” she said.

Kayla and Aja have done a group project together each of the past three years, in addition to events on their own such as introduction to public speaking, business communications, and a test on journalism, among others.

Caroline was crowned state president at the state leadership conference in April, and she will serve as Iowa FBLA President until the next state conference in April 2026. Caroline said the first time she ran for an FBLA office, District 5 Vice President, her pitch to her fellow delegates was “Shine with Caroline,” and this past year when she ran for FBLA President, she updated her tagline to “Shine with Caroline One Last Time” since it will be her final year in the program.

“I made little buttons that said that, and my whole campaign booth was based off that with stars,” she said.

Caroline said she enjoyed campaigning to be District 5 Vice President, and wanted to set her sights even higher the next year.

“I thought it would be really cool to run for state president, especially because Fairfield has never had a state president before,” she said.

Caroline said she joined FBLA because she enjoys public speaking and the community service opportunities the organization affords. For instance, when Caroline was a sophomore, she organized a STEM event for girls at the Fairfield library, which fit nicely into the FBLA state competitive category of “Community Service Project.” She got a helping hand from the club’s 47 members who put together the STEM kits the girls got to take home.

Kate said she’s excited to take over a program that has been among the best in Iowa. Last year’s chapter had 55 members, and 50 of those advanced to the state competition.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com

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