Thomas attends National FBLA Conference

Cole Thomas takes in the scenery in downtown Denver (photo provided) [Click to enlarge]

Rector High School senior Cole Thomas attended the National Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda Conference held Nov. 12-16 in Denver, Colo.

Thomas, along with local FBLA adviser Lisa Manchester, departed Rector on Wednesday, Nov. 11, traveling to Jonesboro to carpool with fellow FBLA members and adviser from Nettleton High School. The group of five then journeyed to Little Rock to board a chartered bus with 45 other Arkansas FBLA members and advisers from around the state.

This began the 20-hour bus trip to the great state of Colorado. While in Denver, Thomas attended leadership workshops and participated in general sessions with over 2,000 FBLA members from states including Colorado.

Motivational consultant Eric Chester was the keynote speaker for Friday evening's general session, speaking on the subject of "Bring Your Game to Work."

While in Denver, there was time for a little sightseeing. The group enjoyed a walking tour of the Air Force Academy and chapel in Colorado Springs, toured the Garden of the Gods, and rode a train to the summit of Pike's Pike, where the temperature was around zero degrees.

The return trip to Arkansas, scheduled for Nov. 15, was delayed by a snowy surprise. Six inches of snow, coupled with mechanical problems on the bus, delayed the departure for the group an extra day.

"It was an experience," commented Thomas, "but it was one that I would definitely do again."