Community’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter was named the top chapter in Illinois, earning the Outstanding Chapter Award at the annual State Leadership Conference in March.

At the two-day event, the school set a program record with 65 students qualifying for this summer’s National Leadership Conference, which will be held in Anaheim, California. Students advanced by finishing in the top four of their competitive events.

FBLA adviser Ms. Tara Pendleton called it Community’s “winningest” state showing to date—as 28 students claimed state championships across 17 events. 

This year’s conference brought together nearly 2,000 students from across the state, competing in 72 event categories ranging from Broadcast Journalism to Health Care Administration, and Coding & Programming to Hospitality and Event Management.  

Among the Community competitors were outgoing state officers Nikitha Philip, who serves as Illinois FBLA President, and Aswini Kake, the State Vice President from the Central Area. The two seniors helped host the event and closed out their terms as statewide leaders.

Philip was named Illinois FBLA’s top honoree in the “Who’s Who in FBLA” program, which recognizes one student from the state for exemplary contributions to the organization. 

Two Ironmen were elected to the 2025–2026 FBLA state officer team, continuing Community’s presence in FBLA state leadership. Junior Harshal Joshi was named State Vice President from the Central Area, and Sri Parsi was elected State Parliamentarian. Parsi is also set to campaign for the role of National Parliamentarian at the national conference this summer.