UPDATE: The Carson High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter celebrated something that hasn’t happened since 2011 at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, earning two top-10 national finishes while competing against more than 16,000 of the nation’s best business students.
More than 18 Carson High School students qualified to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, with 18 students traveling to San Antonio to represent Carson High School and Nevada in one of the largest and most prestigious career and technical student organization conferences in the country. Students competed in a variety of events focused on leadership, business knowledge, communication, finance and career readiness.
For the second time in CHS history, two Carson High School entries earned top-10 finishes in the nation at the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Ivan Romeo, now a senior at Carson High, earned seventh place in the nation in Impromptu Speaking, showcasing exceptional critical thinking, poise and public speaking skills while delivering an impromptu presentation before a panel of judges.
In another historic achievement, 2026 Carson High Graduates Lexi Ropp and Jacob Alvarez finished among the Top 8 teams in the nation in LifeSmarts, a fast-paced, multidisciplinary competition that tests students’ knowledge of financial literacy, consumer rights, technology, health and safety and environmental responsibility.
“Competing at the national level is an incredible accomplishment in itself,” said FBLA adviser Cody Downing, marketing teacher at Carson High School. “When you’re competing against more than 16,000 of the best students in the country, earning one Top 10 finish is remarkable. Having two Carson High School entries finish among the nation’s best in the same year is truly historic. Our students dedicated countless hours preparing for competition, and they represented Carson High School with exceptional professionalism, integrity and leadership.”
Co-adviser and Carson High EL Teacher Areli Sanabria said the students’ character was just as impressive as their competitive success.
“Our students consistently demonstrate dedication, resilience and a commitment to excellence,” Sanabria said. “Throughout the conference, they represented Carson High School, Carson City and the state of Nevada with professionalism, respect and pride. We couldn’t be more proud of everything they accomplished.”
The FBLA National Leadership Conference brings together more than 16,000 students from across the United States each year to compete in rigorous business and leadership events, participate in leadership workshops, network with business professionals, and develop skills that prepare them for success in college and their future careers.
Carson High School’s historic performance reflects the continued strength of its FBLA program and its commitment to developing the next generation of business leaders.
The 18 students who qualified and competed at nationals include the following:
Jacob Alvarez, Melissa Bonilla, Lana Catan-Chheth, Elizabeth Dao, Claire Dillon, Derick Hensley, David Hurst, Khloe Kellum, Kyda Kreizenbeck, Tommy Lance, Caroline Matley, Renan Melasaga, Brianna Nunez, Nasia Perkins, Ivan Romeo, Alexis Ropp, Maliyah Roque and Ashton Wilkin.
Editor’s Note: Former FBLA advisor Sherri Kelley said the record needs to be straight as it is the second time in school history students have made top 10 achievements in the national conference competition. During the 2011 FBLA National Leadership Conference, two students took 9th place in the FBLA Desktop Publishing competition. In the news release, it stated it was the first time in the school’s history.
Also of note, Flavors Foundation is extending an invitation to the community to celebrate these kids who represented Carson City on the national stage.
“Let’s show them that as a community we value their hard hard work,” according to a news release.
Food, beverages, desserts will be provided. It’s a free event for anyone to attend but reservations required. Please text us at 775-430-7213 to add your name to list.
