Staples High School Students Excel In State & National Competitions

News release from Westport Public Schools:

WESTPORT, CT — Students from Staples High School demonstrated excellence in both business and international relations by winning awards at two prestigious competitions in March. Nine teams placed at the 2025 Connecticut Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference held on March 18 at Southern Connecticut State University, while four students earned recognition at the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference. Competing against peers from across the state and around the world, Staples students showcased exceptional knowledge, diplomacy, and leadership skills.

Connecticut Future Business Leaders of America Conference
A program of FBLA-PBL, the largest career student business organization in the world, the State Leadership Conference brings together high school students to compete in events that test their business knowledge, communication skills, and leadership abilities. The conference is part of FBLA's mission to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

"Competing in FBLA allows students to show their interest and abilities in subjects that we do not teach at Staples,” said Sarah White, a Staples math teach and FBLA advisor. “Students take the initiative to study an area that interests them and see how they compare to others throughout the state. I am proud of the achievements of these students in so many different disciplines."

For many students, the recognition validated months of preparation and study. The FBLA competitive events program recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas, providing members with opportunities for career, academic, and leadership development.

To participate in this state competition, students met the official FBLA National membership eligibility. First through fourth-place winners have qualified to represent Connecticut at the FBLA National Leadership Conference later this year.

National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) Conference
In addition to the FBLA successes, Staples students also distinguished themselves at the National High School Model United Nations conference. The NHSMUN experience provided students with an immersive, hands-on debate experience working alongside an international student community.

"Our participation at the NHSMUN conference this year was a successful event," said Horacio Ballesteros, a Staples Spanish teacher. "Our students were very motivated and focused with their committees. This was an unforgettable experience for our students, with all grades represented in diverse contemporary groups addressing important global issues."

Staples High School students who placed at the Connecticut FBLA State Leadership Conference include:

First Place:
Ollie Vynerib for Advertising
Ethen Perry, Aidan Stubbs, and Jackson Tracey for International Business

Second Place:
Jack Jacob for Securities & Investments
Max Benke and Jonah Bomback for Sports & Entertainment Management

Third Place:
Jay Nicholds, Luke Spera, and RJ Wilks for Sales Presentation
Jack Leonard for Supply Chain Management

Fourth Place:
Chris Taylor for Supply Chain Management
Matthew Tybur for Organizational Leadership

Fifth Place:
Mikael Nagy for Introduction to Financial Math

Staples High School students who received a National High School Model United Nations Award of Merit:

Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon - Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL)

Alessandra Spadea and Jori Altman - Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee (SOCHUM)