Eureka Springs High School is beaming with pride! After qualifying in the Top 10 in Arkansas for Personal Finance, our team traveled to the state competition and brought home an incredible 6th place finish.
A True "Underdog" Story
This victory is a testament to the resilience of our students. Due to unforeseen circumstances, several team members were unable to attend the competition. Despite being a duo facing off against full teams of four from across the state, Kenner Leavell (Senior) and Eva "Vi" Petty (Sophomore) didn't miss a beat.
They tackled a rigorous written exam and delivered a professional consulting presentation for a client named "Sebastian," analyzing the complex financial trade-offs between self-employment and corporate life. To walk away with a 6th place trophy while outnumbered two-to-oneβwith a sophomore and senior leading the chargeβis a legendary feat!
The Qualifying Powerhouse Team:
Kenner Leavell (Senior)
Aaron Stiles-Ballance (Senior)
Glenn May (Junior)
Niklas Goodman (Junior)
Eva "Vi" Petty (Sophomore), who qualified with a high individual score.
β€οΈ ESHS FBLA: Leadership & Service
The trip was about more than just trophies. Representing ESHS FBLA, Kenner and Vi also met with Kimberly Kinder, Interim Executive Director for Alzheimerβs Arkansas.
On behalf of the chapter, they presented her with $73 raised during their recent pickleball tournament. We love seeing our students pair their business and finance skills with a heart for the community!
Congratulations to these Highlanders for their academic excellence, their "can-do" spirit, and their dedication to service.
Way to go, Eureka Springs! #EurekaSprings #PersonalFinance #ArkansasFBLA #StateFinalists #CommunityService #HighlanderSpirit #AlzheimersArkansas #MakeYourMark

π FBLAπ Pickleball Success: Data & Impact! ππ
We are still buzzing from this weekendβs Pickleball Tournament! Thanks to our amazing students, families, local community members, and the wider Pickleball community, we are thrilled to announce that we raised a total of $1,129!
Beyond the tournament registration and raffle, we are so proud to announce that our community stepped up in a big way for a great cause. Through a dedicated donation jar for the Arkansas Alzheimerβs Association, our players and spectators contributed $73 throughout the tournament π π
We need your final help! This event served as a live case study for our Markets and Analytics class. We are now in the data-collection phase of our final report, and your feedback is the final piece of the puzzle.
Please take 2 minutes to complete our survey so we can provide a professional, data-driven analysis of this project:
ππESHS FBLA Pickleball Tournament Survey
Thank you to everyone who made this eventβand this projectβa success! Your involvement, whether as a player, sponsor, donor, or spectator, has been invaluable. πβ¨
#pickleball #fbla #eshs #MarketsAndAnalytics #CommunityImpact #StudentResearch #DataDriven #pickleball #fbla #eshs #feedback #survey #HolidayIsland #EurekaSprings #ESCC #ESHS







Meet Celina Tapia-Ibarra, an ESHS Senior and our State Qualifier in Customer Service! π
Celina has been preparing for State by running "fake scenarios" and grinding through practice tests. She credits FBLA for teaching her how to turn any negative interaction into a positive oneβa vital skill she plans to take into her future career as a Radiology Tech.
π€ Community Spirit at the Pickleball Tournament
Tomorrow, March 7th, we hit the courts at the Eureka Springs Community Center for our ESHS FBLA Pickleball Tournament!
We are incredibly grateful to our community partners who have contributed to our Player Swag Bags. A special thank you to Equity Bank of Eureka Springs for donating koozies and magnet clips for our players! Their support, alongside our other six local sponsors, has created our great swag bag for our Pickleball Players.
π¨ Final Call: Join the Fun!
The competition is heating up, and we are officially sold out of Level 2 and Level 3 spots! We do, however, have a few Level 1 spots remaining. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, come out and support our students!
π Support Our Athletes & Competitors
If you canβt make the tournament, you can still support our State-bound team by visiting the ESHS FBLA concession stands:
March 10 (Tuesday): Highlanders Baseball Concessions βΎ
March 13 (Friday): Highlanders Soccer Concessions β½
As Celina puts it: "Just do it. You never know until you try." Letβs make this a great week for our students!
#HighlanderPride #ESHSFBLA #EurekaSprings #SupportLocal #StateBound


ESHS Sophomore | FBLA Secretary | Soccer Player | Boy Scout
Owen Reynolds is officially "locked in." After a conversation with Mrs. Reed during open house prior to his freshmen year, Owen knew FBLA was the right path. Despite being sidelined by illness last year, he returned this year to compete in Introduction to Public Speakingβand he crushed it.
The Mindset: Owenβs secret to success is staying calm under pressure. "I just locked in and asked myself, 'Whatβs the worst that could happen?'"
The Future: Between his job at Hartβs Family Center and his commitment to the Boy Scouts, Owen is building a great resume. His advice to others? "Itβs good for your future, you make friends, and itβs amazing to tell employers that you did it."
π£ Help Send Owen & ESHS FBLA to State!
Our FBLA competitors are working hard to represent Eureka Springs! Each student, including Owen, has already committed to paying their own $50 registration fee. We are asking for the communityβs help to cover the remaining costs for travel, meals, and lodging. A portion of all concession proceeds supports FBLA, with the remainder benefiting the ESHS Booster Club.
ποΈ Upcoming Support Opportunities
π Saturday, March 7: Pickleball Tournament & Raffle
Join us for a day of fun! We will be hosting prize drawings throughout the day.
Raffle Tickets: 1 for $1 or 6 for $5 (Must be present to win)
π GRAND PRIZE ($300 Value): 2 Selkirk Paddles, 1 Selkirk Bag, and 1 Selkirk Cap.
Donated by: Glenn Crenshaw, Executive Broker β All Seasons MW Realty
π Player Swag: A huge thank you to Arvest Bank of Eureka Springs for donating a cup of goodies for every player's swag bag!
βΎ Tuesday, March 10: Baseball Concessions
Skip cooking and grab dinner at the ballpark! FBLA members will be staffing the concessions.
β½ Friday, March 13: Soccer Concessions
Come watch Owen and the Highlanders on the pitch! FBLA will be working the stands all night to raise funds for their trip to State.

Meet Maribel βMarsβ Clubbs, an ESHS Senior who is proving that big dreams start with hard work and a supportive community.
After being encouraged to join FBLA by Maddi Fisher, Mars discovered a passion for Human Resource Management. Her dedicationβpracticing at least once a weekβled her to a 2nd Place finish at the District VI Conference!
"It felt surprising and good to hear my name called," Mars says. "FBLA is showing me that I can really do it."
Mars plans to open her own camp one day, and her next big step is competing at the Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference in Little Rock on April 7-8. But to get Mars and her fellow members there, we need the Eureka Springs community to team up with us!
π Huge Shoutout: Our Biggest Sponsor Yet!
We are thrilled to announce a massive thank you to Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop, Eureka Springs, AR 11 N. Main St., Eureka Springs, AR! They have stepped up in a big way by donating $10 gift certificates for all 36 of our event swag bags. This partnership is extra special because one of our very own, Eva "Vi" Petty (Sophomore, FBLA Member, and State Competitor in Impromptu Speaking), is a proud employee at Rocket Fizz! Itβs amazing to see our students excelling both in the classroom and in the local workforce.
Help Us Reach State!
We are fundraising to cover travel, lodging, and meals for our 2026 state qualifiers. Here is how you can support our future business leaders this month:
π Pickleball Tournament (March 7th): We have ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT! Grab a partner and register now to claim one of the final brackets and snag a swag bag featuring those Rocket Fizz gift cards!
βΎ Baseball Concessions (March 10th): Come out to the game and grab dinner! All proceeds from the concession stand go directly to our travel fund.
β½ Soccer Concessions (March 13th): End your week at the pitch and support our students by visiting the FBLA booth for snacks and drinks.
Mars knows firsthand that the FBLA community is "welcoming and supportive." Letβs show Mars, Vi, and the whole team that Eureka Springs is behind them 100% as they head to Little Rock!

ESHS FBLA Vice President
Kenner isn't just representing Eureka Springs High School; he is setting a standard for excellence in business education. After a stellar performance at the District level, he is now preparing to take on the best in the state.
π The Road to State
Kenner has qualified for two major state-level competitions based on his expertise in the mechanics of business and finance:
Retail Management: After securing 2nd Place in District VI, Kenner will compete at the FBLA Arkansas State Leadership Conference in Little Rock on April 7β8, 2026.
Personal Finance: Kenner with his team finished in the Top 10. They head to Conway, AR, on March 13, 2026, to prove they are among the best financial minds in the state.
πΌ Leadership in Action
A true leader leads by example. Kenner has personally committed to his $50 registration fee, showing his dedication to the program. He is now working with ESHS FBLA Team on fundraising efforts to ensure the FBLA competitors can cover the costs of:
Lodging & Travel
Meals during the conferences
π£ Immediate Call to Action: Support ESHS FBLA Team
The clock is ticking on several upcoming fundraisers. Here is how you can help Kenner and ESHS FBLA get to Little Rock:
πΎ The Pickleball Tournament (March 7th)
This is the biggest push!
Status: Levels 2 and 3 are officially SOLD OUT.
The Opportunity: There are only four spots left in Level 1.
Supporter Shoutout: Thanks to Yume Leavell for player swag bag stickers! If youβve shopped in Eureka Springs, you likely know the famous "working bunnies" who assist at the checkout counters! Owned and operated by Yume Leavell, these shops (East by West and Carolineβs Collectibles) offer more than just giftsβthey offer a one-of-a-kind experience:
π Concession Stand Takeovers
If you can't play pickleball, come eat! Kenner and the FBLA crew will be working the stands to raise travel funds:
March 10th: ESHS Highlanders Baseball
March 13th: ESHS Highlanders Soccer
Why this matters
Kennerβs success in Retail Management and Personal Finance isn't just about trophiesβit's preparation for a career. By supporting these fundraisers, the community is directly investing in a student who has already proven he has the work ethic to succeed.
π Achievement & Competition
#RetailManagement #PersonalFinance #StateBound #FBLAState #RoadToLittleRock #RoadToConway #StudentLeadership #BusinessEducation #WorkingBunnies #EastbyWest #CarolinesCollectibles

Meet Madeline Fisher, a standout senior at Eureka Springs High School and a powerhouse recruiter for ESHS FBLA! π
When sheβs not busy leading the charge for FBLA, you can find Madeline serving up great vibes at Bubbaβs Barbecue, where she is a dedicated, long-time employee.
Big Accomplishments:
Madeline recently showcased her skills by placing 5th in Advertising at the FBLA District VI Conference! π She is now gearing up to compete at the FBLA Arkansas State Leadership Conference on April 7-8, 2026! π
π₯ Support Our FBLA State Bound Team! π£
Madeline and her fellow members are raising funds to cover lodging, meals, and travel for the state conference. While competitors are committed to paying their own $50 registration fee, they need our community's help to get there!
A huge thank you to all our wonderful community sponsors for making the upcoming Pickleball Tournament possible!
Specifically, we want to shout out Bubbaβs Barbecue for sponsoring awesome stickers for our tournament swag bags! ποΈ
Here is how you can support the team:
π Play Pickleball: We have only FOUR spots left in Level 1! Levels 2 and 3 are officially full. Sign up now! https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home#h.q7lkwfqgb8ps
π Concessions Support: Come hungry to the upcoming games!
March 10th: Baseball Game (FBLA working concessions)
March 13th: Soccer Game (FBLA working concessions)
Letβs come out, support our students, and cheer on Madeline as she heads to state!
#ESHSFBLA #EurekaSprings #SupportOurStudents #FBLAStateBound #BubbasBBQ

We are thrilled to announce an amazing lineup of prizes for the Pickleball Tournament on March 7, 2026. With over $500 in total raffle value, you don't want to miss out!
ποΈ Raffle Ticket Pricing
$1 for a single ticket
$5 for 6 tickets
Each registered player will automatically receive one complimentary ticket in their swag bag!
π The Final Golden Prize Raffle
Sponsored by Glenn Crenshaw, Executive Broker, All Seasons MW Realty, Eureka Springs, AR
One lucky winner will take home a prize package valued at $300, featuring:
π₯ 2 Selkirk Paddles
π 1 Selkirk Bag
π§’ 1 Selkirk Cap
β οΈ NOTE: You must be present to win the Final Golden Prize!
π Other Raffle Items
Drawings will occur throughout the tournament for these fantastic items:
π§Ί Expert Gardner Basket
β‘ Degree Pickleball Performance Gift Set
π§ Anivia MH602 Pro Gaming Headphones
π Selkirk Red Paddle Bag
π₯£ Tupperware Set of Four Snack Bowls
π₯ How to Purchase
Don't wait until the last minute!
Pre-Tournament: π© DM us for details on how to secure your tickets early!
Day of Event: Purchase tickets directly at the tournament venue.
Grab your tickets early and often to increase your chances! Good luck, players! π
#PickleballTournament #Raffle #Selkirk #PickleballLife #EurekaSprings #AllSeasonsMWRealty #PickleballGear
https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home#h.q7lkwfqgb8ps

After four years in the chapter, Holley took home 2nd Place in Public Speaking at the District VI FBLA Conference on February 13! Despite a stressful day balancing competition with her duties as Presidentβand almost being late!βHolleyβs skills truly shone through to the judges.
"It felt amazing to know that my skill was able to shine through all of the stress and the judges saw it."
Holleyβs "secret to success" is the confidence built from four years of daily practice. Looking ahead to the State Conference in Little Rock this April, she is most excited to spend time with her ESHS chapter and reconnect with friends across the state.
Beyond high school, Holley plans to become an accountant, citing FBLAβs networking opportunities as a key factor in her preparation.
Why should you join FBLA?
"Mrs. Reed is the most hands-on instructor I have ever come across. In her room, it is about practicing and testing your skills rather than reading in a textbook about them. She is always pushing us out of our comfort zone and it pays off every time because we grow so much."
#FBLA #ESHS #FutureLeaders #PublicSpeaking #AccountingBound #StudentLeadership
The shop class recently built and donated a display stand for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The stand found a permanent home at Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale.
AGFC stated "Our king snake animal ambassador is loving having their enclosure on this stand! π"
Shout out to EAST students Madeline Fisher and Samantha Evans for making the name tag using the schools laser engraver!




Teaming up with Senior Kameron Agresto, the duo took home 2nd Place in Sports & Entertainment Management at District VI Competitions!
Williamβs advice to other students on the fence about joining FBLA?
"It will look great on your resume, and you will have a great time with a welcoming community."
Now, they are heading to the Arkansas State FBLA Leadership Conference in Little Rock this April. While the competitors are personally committed to their $50 registration fee, we need community support to cover travel, meals, and lodging for the trip.
π¨ HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR STATE QUALIFIERS π¨
Pickleball Tournament: Saturday, March 7, 2026. (4 spots left for Level 1, 6 spots left for Level 3!)
Baseball Concessions: Monday, March 10, 2026.
Soccer Concessions: Friday, March 13, 2026.
Direct Donations/Sponsorships: https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home#h.q7lkwfqgb8ps
Please help us cheer on William, Kameron, and the rest of the ESHS FBLA team!
#FBLA #ESHS #FutureLeaders #EngineeringBound #SupportLocalStudents #Pickleball
Letβs hear it for Eureka Springs High School Junior, Glenn May! ππ
After two years of being an "unofficial" member (thanks to Mrs. Reedβs persistent recruiting!), Glenn made it official and crushed the Personal Finance event at the FBLA District VI competition.
π€ Get to Know Glenn:
The Strategy: He actually didnβt realize it was the official district test until after he finished! Maybe "no-stress" is the secret to success?
The Goal: Smart money management is key, as Glenn plans to become a professional pilot after graduation. βοΈ
The Vibe: For Glenn, FBLA is about the great parties and the friends heβs made along the way.
π The Road to State: April 7β8 in Little Rock
Glenn and his teammates are headed to the State Competition, and they are putting in the work to get there! Each competitor has personally committed $50 toward their registration, and they are hustling to fundraise the rest for travel, meals, and lodging.
Here is how YOU can support our ESHS FBLA stars:
π Play Pickleball (March 7): Join us at the Eureka Springs Community Center!
Level 1: 4 spots remaining
Level 3: 6 spots remaining
π Eat at the Games: Come see us at the concession stands!
Baseball Concessions: Tuesday, March 10
Soccer Concessions: Friday, March 13
πΈ Donate or Sponsor: Direct donations are always welcome to help these students reach their goals.
"I think people on the fence about FBLA should give it a shotβthey won't regret it!" β Glenn May
How to help: https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home#h.q7lkwfqgb8ps or DM us for more info!
#FBLA #DistrictVI #EurekaSpringsHigh #PersonalFinance #FuturePilot #SupportOurStudents #Pickleball #ESHS
Huge congratulations are in order! We are thrilled to announce that our FBLA Personal Finance Team has officially qualified as a State Finalist for the 2026 Arkansas Personal Finance Challenge.
Our team is one of only ten elite school teams from across the entire state invited to compete in the championship round. Their mastery of credit, investing, and money management has earned them a spot in the winner's circle!
π Representing Our School:
Glenn May
Kenner Leavell
Aaron Stiles-Ballance
Niklas Goodman
π The Championship Showdown
This powerhouse team will head to the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) on Friday, March 13, 2026. They will go head-to-head against the nine other top-ranking schools in the state for a chance to claim the state title.
"Competing as a team requires more than just individual smartsβit takes communication, trust, and shared strategy. These FBLA members have proven they have what it takes."
Join us in cheering on Glenn, Kenner, Aaron, and Niklas as they represent us at UCA!
#Top10 #ArkansasFBLA #PersonalFinanceChallenge #UCA #FutureLeaders #Teamwork

The countdown to Saturday, March 7th is on! We have exactly one week until our registration deadline on Wednesday, March 4th.
Every registration for this tournament directly supports our 12 ESHS FBLA students headed to the State Competition. Your entry fees will help cover essential travel, meals, and lodging for these competitors.
Level 2 is now FULL, but we have 10 spots left to maximize our fundraising goal!
Current Roster Needs:
Level 1 (Entry Level): π 4 Slots Left
Perfect for beginners and casual players looking to support a great cause.
Level 2: β FULL
Level 3 (Competitive/Intermediate): βοΈ 6 Slots Left
For the seasoned players ready to bring the heat and compete for the win.
Important Dates:
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 4th
Tournament Kickoff: Saturday, March 7th
We need to fill these final slots to ensure our State-bound students have the support they need. Letβs pack the courts and get the ESHS FBLA to State!
Register & Support Here: https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home#h.q7lkwfqgb8ps
Why Your Play Matters:
By grabbing one of these final 10 spots, you aren't just playing pickleballβyou're funding the next generation of business leaders. Let's make sure our 12 State qualifiers have everything they need to succeed!

We are thrilled to celebrate ESHS Sophomore Eva βViβ Petty for her outstanding performance at the FBLA District VI competition! In her very first year with the organization, Vi secured 2nd Place in Impromptu Speaking, earning her a spot at the State competition.
Vi joined FBLA at the invitation of a friend and chose Impromptu Speaking specifically to challenge herself and sharpen her communication skills. Despite her rigorous preparationβwhich included several mock timed presentationsβshe admits she was "shocked" to hear her name called for the runner-up spot.
"I didn't think I would do that well," Vi shared. "But I know that getting better at public speaking will help me be a confident voice in any field of work I choose."
As she prepares for State, Vi is most excited to meet new people and test her skills against students from across all of Arkansas. Her advice to anyone on the fence about joining FBLA? "Be confident! Even if you don't go into business, taking a business class helps you in any career."
Congratulations, Vi, and good luck at State!
ποΈ Eureka Springs FBLA: Making Our Mark! ποΈ
Friday, February 13, our Highlanders headed to ASU-Mountain Home for the FBLA District VI Spring Leadership Conference. We didn't just show upβwe made a lasting impression!
Out of 18 competitors, 12 made their mark by bringing home awards! π We are incredibly proud of these students for representing Eureka Springs with such excellence and professional drive.
State Leadership Conference, here we come! π
#MakeYourMark #ESHSFBLA #FutureBusinessLeaders #FBLA2026
Back Row L-R: Kenner Leavell (Retail Management 2nd); Jessica Hill (Career Portfolio 2nd); Eva βViβ Petty (Impromptu Speaking 2nd); Owen Reynolds (Introduction to Public Speaking 5th); Kameron Agresto and William Vaverka (Sports & Entertainment Management 2nd); Aaron Stiles-Ballance (Accounting); Glenn May (Personal Finance 3rd);
Front Row L-R: Mrs Billie Reed (FBLA Adviser); Madeline Fisher (Advertising 5th); Holley Wood (Public Speaking 2nd); Taralyn Goodman (Agribusiness); Celina Tapia (Customer Service 4th); Maribel βMarsβ Clubb (Human Resource Management (2nd); Addison Blackwelder (Journalism); Emma Wolfinbarger (Business Communication); Jesalyn Seiwert (Hospitality & Event Management); Not-Pictured Niklas Goodman (Marketing 3rd)
It was a special "Highlander Family" moment as Yume was introduced by her son, our FBLA Vice President and graduating senior, Kenner Leavell! As a mom of three ESHS students and a business owner for 31 years, Yume shared invaluable wisdom about juggling multiple ventures, adapting to market changes, and building a legacy in our community.
To top it all off, she brought a special assistant: her bunny, Jack! π Jack was the perfect co-presenter and definitely the most popular guest in the room.
Thank you, Yume, for sharing your time, your experience, and Jack with us!
#ESHSFBLA #EurekaSprings #SupportLocal #EastByWest #CarolinesCollectables #FBLA #CommunityPartners #StudentLeadership #HighlanderPride #SmallBusiness #WomenOwned #EurekaSpringsAR #FutureLeaders #ClassOf2026 #EurekaSpringsWorkingBunnies







We love seeing our students take ownership of their projects. A huge shoutout to Madeline Fisher, ESHS FBLA Recruiter, for designing this fantastic classroom billboard. It serves as a great marketing tool to drive participation for our big event!
Help support our FBLA chapter by joining us for the Pickleball Tournament on March 7, 2026.
How you can help:
Register to play: https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home
Share this post with friends and family!
Letβs pack the courts! π


π Picklers in Paradise: The ESHS FBLA Invitational ποΈ
Calling all locals and weekend travelers! Combine your love for the game with a getaway to beautiful Eureka Springs. Join the ESHS FBLA for a day of competitive fun at the Eureka Springs Community Center (located in the heart of town at the historic former high school site).
Whether youβre a "Townie" or just visiting for the weekend, come smash some plastic and support our future business leaders!
π
The Details
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Where: 44 Kingshighway, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Time: Tournament play begins at 9:00 AM
Surface: Indoor wood courts (Climate controlled!)
π For our Visitors
Coming from out of town? Make a weekend of it! Enjoy our winding streets, unique shopping, and local dining after you finish your bracket.
Pro Tip: If you're staying at the Crescent or Basin Park Hotels, check your guest perks for potential Community Center pass discounts!
π Why Your Support Matters
Every registration helps our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students travel to state and national leadership conferences. You aren't just playing a gameβyou're investing in the next generation of Arkansas entrepreneurs.
π Registration
Open Play/Mixed Doubles Round Robin (All skill levels welcome!)
Website with Registration Link: https://sites.google.com/es.k12.ar.us/eshsfblapickleballtournament/home#h.q7lkwfqgb8ps
Limited spots so register soon.
#EurekaSprings #VisitEureka #ESHSFBLA #PickleballTournament #NWAevents #PickleballTravel #SupportLocalStudents


