March 5, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photos submitted
Five members of Barton Community College’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter earned top honors at the Kansas FBLA State Leadership Conference and Competition held at Emporia State University Feb. 28.
All five students placed in the top four in at least one event, qualifying for the national conference and competition in Las Vegas this summer. In total, Barton students brought home 12 awards. Barton Instructors Jennifer Steinert and Kaitlin Sill serve as the FBLA advisors.
This marks the second year for Barton FBLA and the first year the chapter has participated in competition. Students competed against peers from Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, University of St. Mary, Central Christian College, and Labette Community College.
Presentation event results include:
Business Ethics: David Dominguez and Rose Timmermeyer, first place
Customer Service: David Dominguez, second place
Impromptu Speaking: Audrey Reh, third place
Objective test results include:
Business Law: David Dominguez, third place; Rose Timmermeyer, fourth place
Foundations of Accounting: Audrey Reh, second place; Rose Timmermeyer, fourth place
Foundations of Computer Science: David Dominguez, second place
Foundations of Entrepreneurship: David Dominguez, second place
Foundations of Finance: Rose Timmermeyer, second place
Foundations of Management: Katelin Ritchie, fourth place
Supply Chain Management: Dayden Cunningham, third place
Steinert said the students exceeded expectations.
“To earn 12 awards and qualify all five competitors for nationals in our first year competing is a tremendous accomplishment,” she said. “Our students represented Barton extremely well, and we are so proud of them."
Barton President Dr. Marcus Garsetecki extended his congratulations to the group on their accomplishments.
“We are incredibly proud of these students for representing Barton with such professionalism and excellence,” he said. “Their success at the state level demonstrates the quality of education and mentorship they receive here, and we look forward to cheering them on as they compete on the national stage.”
The FBLA will be fundraising for their trip to nationals. For more information, contact Steinert at steinertj@bartonccc.edu.