students and teachers in business attire standing on either side of NC flag with a sign that says "Welcome to San Antonio"

YCS Students Attend National FBLA Competition

Yancey County Schools

July 16, 2026

The Mountain Heritage High School (MHHS) and Cane River Middle School (CRMS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapters proudly represented Yancey County at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, held in San Antonio,Texas this past June 27 to July 3, 2026.

Mountain Heritage High School FBLA attendees: **Guided by their advisors, Kim Silvers and Heath Treadway

  • Future Business Leader - Kai-ana Stella

  • Parliamentary Procedures - B Tyner, Hollie Hughes, Abby Smith, Josh Fernandez, and Adam Silvers 

  • Voting delegates - Chloe Deyton, Emmet Oesch and Madison Holt

Cane River Middle School FBLA attendees: ** Guided by their advisors, Malinda Silver and Holland Crane

  • Exploring Public Speaking- Paisley Wiedenhaupt

  • Voting delegates - Callie Whitson and Jennifer Guerrero

Throughout the week-long conference, students participated in competitive events, attended leadership workshops, and connected with business professionals from across the nation. The experience offered valuable insight into career readiness, leadership development, and the importance of innovation in business.

group of students and teachers in light blue shirts on sidewalk in front of building    

female student in business attire holding a trophy and standing in front of NC flag

Congratulations to Paisley Wiedenhaupt for earning 2nd place in Exploring Public Speaking at Nationals. Paisley, an eighth grader at Cane River Middle school, competed against the top students from all across the country. This achievement reflects not only Paisley’s hard work and exceptional writing and speaking skills but also the support of her advisors, teachers, family and her community. We are all so very proud of her!

All Yancey County FBLA students that were able to attend this year’s FBLA National Leadership Conference would like to express gratitude to the community and sponsors who made the trip possible. With the support of sponsors and the community, Yancey County FBLA continues to provide students with real-world experiences that prepare them for success in business, leadership, and beyond.

Platinum sponsor:  ($20,000 grant) - Mountain Air Community Fund 

Gold sponsors: ($1,000 - $5,000) -

  • Chris Autrey Landscaping LLC

  • Elk Mountain Wealth Partners/Dillon Vess

  •  JBS Management Group LLC/Alexander Silvers

  • Yancey County Commissioners

  • Yancey County Schools and CTE program

Silver sponsors: ($100-$999) 

  • Appalachian Family Dentistry

  • Barn Charm

  • Bougie Brush

  • Bubba's Good Eats

  • Carolina Collision Repair, Inc.

  • Edward Jones Investments (Burnsville)

  • Fill-mor

  • Prescription Pad

  • RE/MAX results agents

  • Sandy’s Hair Salon

  • Styles Automotive

  • Yancey County Farm Bureau

We also want to thank the many other sponsors that gave other amounts or those that would rather stay anonymous and unnamed for your support!