Marquette Students Finish in Top 7 at FBLA National Leadership Conference

Marquette High students earned top-seven finishes in three different categories at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Vihaan Sawardekar placed second in Network Design, Carter Russell finished sixth in Coding and Programming, and Nathaniel Bian placed seventh in Banking and Financial Systems. This is the second straight year that Bian has finished in the top 10 nationally, after earning sixth in Network Design with a teammate last year.

The event, held in San Antonio, Texas, from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 16,000 middle and high school students, educators and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition and networking opportunities centered on business.

Rockwood's winners were among only 15 high school groups and individuals from the state of Missouri to earn top-seven finishes at the national conference. More than 13,400 students from nearly 2,100 middle and high schools in 47 U.S. states, territories and Canada competed in 108 business-related events for cash prizes totaling nearly $65,000.

More than 50  Rockwood students from all four Rockwood high schools were eligible to compete at the national conference after qualifying at the state level in April.

Congratulations to these outstanding Rockwood students!