Centralia CTSO Celebration and Education

By: Elijah Hill; Contributing Writer

Centralia FBLA Officers and FFA Chapter members at the front of the capitol. ​

On February 14, the FBLA and FFA chapter officers went to the state capitol in Jefferson City. During this trip, students talked to District 44 Representative, Cheri Toalson Reisch and Missouri Senator, Caleb Rowden, about Senate Bill 819. ​

They were also given a complete tour of the capitol building and were able to sit through a deliberation.

Bill 819, would allow homeschool students to participate in career and technology courses in public schools and allow them to join organizations like FBLA and FFA. “FBLA has really helped me grow and be more confident as a person and as a speaker. I couldn't imagine how homeschooled students are supposed to get the same opportunities or skills if they are not allowed to take the same classes or join the same groups as a public school student,” Lane Chancellor, on how this bill will help students. 

Both the FFA and FBLA Chapters found success in talking to their representatives. Reisch gave a tour to the students and allowed them to enter the whispering lounge and even go to the very top of the capitol. 

Centralia was not the only school present, many other schools such as Chamoi, Tipton and Rockbridge also attended to help better the education of our students. “It was so cool seeing schools from all around Missouri come together to help homeschooled students be able to participate in a CTE/CTSO,” stated FBLA member Amy Pendergrast. 

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