LVC Students Shine at FBLA State Leadership Conference and Qualify for Nationals
Six students will represent The Valley at nationals in Las Vegas in June.
Annville, PA (05/01/2026) — Key Points:
*Six LVC students placed among the top two in the state, including five with 1st Place honors *All qualify for national competition in Las Vegas in June *Students major in Accounting, Economics, and Exercise Science *Students qualified in seven competition areas
Lebanon Valley College students continued the College's historic success and delivered outstanding performances at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference in Harrisburg in March. Five students earned top honors. Ethan Schuler '27 (Accounting) earned 1st Place in the Sports Management & Marketing category, whileLeigha Aten '26 (Economics and Accounting), Lauren Atkins '27 (Accounting), Jeff LaRuffa '26 (Accounting), andSarah Shade '26 (Accounting) took home 1 st Place in the Accounting Case Study competition. They defeated students from much larger schools, including Penn State, Bloomsburg, and Duquesne.
FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
The following students will represent Lebanon Valley College at FBLA's National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nev., from June 6-8. Four will compete in two categories.
Leigha Aten '26 (Economics and Accounting), Lauren Atkins '27 (Accounting), Jeff Laruffa '26 (Accounting), and Sarah Shade '26-1st Place, Accounting Case Study
Ethan Schuler '27 (Accounting)-1st Place, Sports Management
Shelly Bliss '27, D'29 (Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy)-2nd Place, Impromptu Speaking
Sarah Shade '26 (Accounting)-2nd Place, Organizational Behavior & Leadership
Leigha Aten '26 (Economics and Accounting)-4th Place, Project Management
Lauren Atkins '27 (Accounting)-4th Place, Business Law
Jeff Laruffa '26 (Accounting)-4th Place, Job Interview
"These results highlight the talent, preparation, and professionalism of LVC's FBLA students, who continue to excel on a highly competitive stage," said Dr. Kimberlee Josephson, Associate Professor of Business Administration.
Support their journey here: FBLA Goes to Nationals! GiveCampus.
Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, offers 50 majors in the health professions, sciences, education, business and digital media, and the arts and humanities. Hands-on learning, internships, and research are emphasized. LVC offers five direct-entry (bachelor's to master's) programs to streamline graduates' entry into Valley graduate programs in business and the health professions.
Close faculty-student relationships and mentoring are hallmarks of the LVC experience on its beautiful 370-acre campus. The College encourages student participation in athletics-with 40% competing as NCAA Division III student-athletes in the Middle Atlantic Conference-and student leadership and involvement in over 90 clubs and organizations. LVC offers generous financial aid and guaranteed merit scholarships that exceed $50 million annually, with 100% of students receiving LVC financial aid or scholarships most years. Career success is integrated into the curriculum through the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Career and Professional Development, starting during the first year on campus.
Eight miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania, this college of 1,600 undergraduate and over 400 graduate students produces alumni who attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and are employed by top companies and school districts.