Alberson accomplishes much in first year as Scott Central's sole FBLA adviser

SIKESTON -- In his first year as the sole adviser of Scott County Central High School's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, Buddy Alberson has managed to come full circle.

FBLA membership nearly quadrupled this school year, increasing from six members last year to 22 this year. Earlier this month 10 FBLA members of Scott County Central High School recently traveled to Springfield for their state leadership conference.

Student members had the opportunity to meet with and discuss their experiences in FBLA-PBL with a record-breaking 4,500 students from across that state. The student members even had the opportunity to hear from the President and CEO of FBLA-PBL Mrs. Jean Buckley.

Also during this conference, Scott County Central High School principal John-Mark Jones was named as one of five administrators of the year; Arista Johnson, a junior, was elected as the 2015-2016 Missouri FBLA State Secretary; and Alberson was elected as the first-ever Missouri FBLA-PBL Professional Division President.

"There are four divisions of FBLA: FBLA (for high school students); FBLA-middle level (for middle school and junior high students); Phi Beta Lambda; and Professional Division, which is for someone like me who graduated from college and can still be an active member," Alberson said. "We've been trying for years (to have a Professional Division President).

Alberson is also currently the national chairperson for starting state FBLA chapters at high schools, but participating in FBLA is nothing new for him.

Alberson's first involvement with FBLA dates back to his high school years at Scott County Central, where he graduated in 1996.

"I participated in the competitive events -- there's more technology today than back in the day," Alberson said.

From high school, Alberson attended Mineral Area College and became a member of the Phi Beta Lamba. He served four years as a state officer and as a national officer for one year.

The past five years he's been a partner-adviser for Scott Central's FBLA. This school year is his first as sole adviser of the school's FBLA chapter.

"We're doing a lot of good things and continue to do good things," Alberson said. "We're trying to get more community involvement."

For example, last fall the FBLA organized its first March for Dimes walk fundraiser, which they plan to build on it each school year. Also, a trivia night fundraiser is planned for May 9, he said.

"We've got all these plans," Alberson said. "I'm so proud of my kids. My students are really taking initiative and do what they can to improve the community."

Another future goal is to increase involvement with local chapters from other schools by doing one group activity, such as a canned food drive at a basketball game, Alberson said.

If membership continues to grow, Alberson said he will continue to encourage students to run for district, state or even national office.

"I want our students to be given the opportunity to see and know that even though they're from a small school, there are so many possibilities out there they can take advantage of and they should not be afraid to try and ask for help," Alberson said.

That's another plus of being a small school -- everyone supports everyone, he said.

"If Arista would have problems with her speech, the English department would help her work on it. If she needed helped with her campaign, the art department would be there for her," Alberson said.

He just wants to keep the momentum going, Alberson said.

"It's an honor to be their adviser - I'm really touched by the raw talent these students have and the abilities they have and they way they've pushed themselves to do something," Alberson said.

He also gave credit to the high school principal.

"Mr. Jones is really great with the student body, and he's very interactive with them. That's one thing, to me, that makes a good administrator, and he supportive of everything the FBLA does," Alberson said.

Jones stands behind FBLA and promotes any events they do, Alberson said.

Jones said it's an honor being named as one of the best administrators.

"Anytime you can be acknowledged for what you do for kids is appreciated. Mr. Alberson is a pleasure to have and always positive and upbeat. What he's done with our FBLA program is just great. His time and energy is immeasurable. It takes someone like Buddy to help and maintain what we do here."

Jones said he wouldn't have won the award without Alberson.

"I appreciate him and what he does for my kids. Being named administrator of the year is a bonus. What we do every day -- that's the treat ," Jones said.

The success of Scott Central's FBLA is a direct reflection of Alberson. Jones said.

"The kids have taken on your personality and that's what gravitates them to you. They see what you're doing and go that extra mile. If they see you're giving of your time, then it's not a big deal to come in on Saturday or stay after school," Jones said.

Meanwhile, Alberson said there's a lot of work to be done over the summer, which will included meetings and fundraisers.

"All of our funding is mainly through donations," Alberson said. "Thank you to everybody who's helped support us by donations."

The community is just as much responsible for the FBLA's success as the students are, he said.

"It's been an awesome year and I can't wait to see what next year brings for us."