Future Leaders: Joel Barlow Student, FBLA Vice President Is 'Driven, Hardworking'

EASTON, CT — A Joel Barlow High School student was recently awarded for her involvement in the school's Future Business Leaders of America Club.

Patch and T-Mobile are teaming up to showcase future leaders in Connecticut and across the nation.

According to Mario Almeida, the school's assistant superintendent and head of school, three students and the school's business teacher, Jose Gutierrez, recently achieved a third place finish out of twelve teams in the "Introduction to Social Media Strategy" category of their very first state competition.

The competition was hosted by Southern Connecticut State University's School of Business and included over 300 students, according to Almeida.

The following future leader information was obtained by Patch from Joel Barlow High School:

Name: Melanie Schrade

Age: 15

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Easton

Leadership qualities, position of leadership:

Melanie Schrade is the vice president of FBLA. She is consistent, driven, and incredibly hard working. Melanie takes her role seriously and is always prepared to support the team, step up when needed, and keep projects moving forward. Her reliability and strong work ethic make her a dependable leader who others naturally look to for guidance.

Future goals:

Melanie is planning to attend college and is exploring options within both the business and science fields. She’s drawn to careers that allow her to think critically, solve problems, and make a positive impact, whether that’s in the corporate world, healthcare, or another science-related industry.

In what ways does this student stand out among their talented peers?

Melanie stands out for her energy, confidence, and ability to take charge in any situation. She’s not afraid to speak up, share ideas, or lead a group with enthusiasm. What sets her apart is her strong mix of leadership and drive, she’s always pushing herself and others to do their best.

Quote from student on what it takes to be a great leader:

"Leadership isn't about titles, it is about trust."