WRIGHT TWP. — From Hershey to Harrisburg, fans are marveling at the soaring Comets FBLA team.
The Crestwood Board of Education held a ceremony at its Jan. 8 meeting to honor the accomplishments of its high school chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, a nationwide career and technical organization that prepares students for business careers. Each year, the FBLA hosts regional, state, and nationwide competitions where students prepare projects and presentations to display their business acumen.
Crestwood FBLA President Avery Pisano, a senior, called praise for her team an “honor and a privilege” that highlights the group’s success and charity work. This year, Pisano organized an FBLA Capstone project, “Housewarming for Heroes,” in which she donated 50 baskets of household essentials to the Department of Veterans Affairs Wilkes-Barre Medical Center in Plains Twp. for homeless veterans.
“We try our best to do a lot for the community and ourselves, to build our skills and better our community together,” Pisano said.
During the ceremony, a group of Crestwood FBLA members delivered a presentation on the club’s success.
The Crestwood FBLA team numbers 181 students, amounting to around a fifth of the total Crestwood high school student body, and it has seen its membership increase by 111 students since 2021. Together, these students have kept the Comets a perennial FBLA colossus. One hundred twenty-eight students placed in a top-10 spot at a competition event this year, with 73 students, through their performance at regional competitions, qualifying for the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference — the state-level competition held at Hershey in April. The chapter’s faculty advisor, Crestwood high school business teacher Christy Laubach, said Crestwood’s FBLA program is ranked No. 2 statewide.
“Hoping to be No. 1 this year,” Laubach said.
Crestwood FBLA trophy case (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
State House citation from Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-119, Hanover Twp., in honor of the Crestwood FBLA (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Crestwood FBLA trophy case (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
Along with competing in the circuit of regional and statewide challenges, the Crestwood FBLA participates in several other student-business activities. Its members have competed in the virtual Stock Market Game, a virtual stock market simulation for students; virtual business challenge simulations; the Business Achievement Awards; and the LifeSmart challenges. In November, the Crestwood FBLA officer team attended the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership workshop at the Kalahari Convention Center in the Poconos.
“I just think (FBLA) is a good way to network with other people from other school districts, gain leadership skills, and compete at a fun level,” Crestwood FBLA Vice President Adison Huber said.
Crestwood senior Julianna Dodge, another FBLA member, said she initially wanted to join the chapter after seeing her friends sign up and soon found areas where she excelled.
“I went to a bunch of workshops and I did presenting and I found that I really liked presenting,” Dodge said. “It gave you a sense of confidence, in being able to do it and prepare with your friends.”
The team’s success is not an aberration. The Crestwood FBLA chapter is now a three-time recipient of both the Gold Seal Merit and Gold Champion Chapter awards. At the 2025 national FBLA competition, held in Anaheim, California over the summer, then rising Crestwood junior Nidhi Patel finished in ninth place in the Introduction to Business Procedures competition.
In addition to its competitive success, the Comets have launched several community-service projects. The Crestwood FBLA team partnered with several local businesses, as well as the Crestwood Education Association and the Crestwood student government, to provide 132 Fairview and Rice elementary school students with backpacks and school supplies at the start of the school year. It also raised $1,856.71 through its participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in October, made Veterans Day cards for local veterans, donated five truckloads of food to St. Paul’s Church, and collected toys to donate to local children during the holidays.
Crestwood senior Kyra Bechtel, the chapter’s FBLA historian, said she was proud to carry on the Comets’ FBLA legacy. She noted the Crestwood FBLA chapter was founded in 1981 and has worked in the community for over four decades.
“FBLA has been a really big influence throughout Crestwood’s history,” Bechtel said. “I feel really proud to be able to call myself a member of the FBLA, just knowing some of the amazing people who have come before me.”
Laubach, the Crestwood faculty advisor, can appreciate the history of FBLA in the region. Laubach herself served as an FBLA chapter president while a student at Hazleton Area High School and helped rejuvenate the Comets’ program after coming to Crestwood 26 years ago. She credited her mentor at Hazleton Area, Joseph Gavio, with instilling her with a lifelong commitment to business education. At the 2025 State Leadership Conference, the Pennsylvania FBLA awarded Laubach its award for Outstanding Advisor of the Year.
“I just really had a passion for FBLA,” Laubach said “They (the students) learn a lot of professional and personal skills that will help them advance in any career they choose, not just a business career.”
The Crestwood school board also took pride in the team.
“As a person that’s in business, I’m a huge fan of this program,” Crestwood school board member Shawn Gallagher said. “The stuff you’re learning is real. This is stuff you’re going to use.”
“It’s going to serve you well in life that you’re participating. Just all the volunteer activities alone are outstanding,” added Crestwood school board member Nanci Romanyshyn. “Whether you win an award or not, this community recognizes you.”
Pisano, the Crestwood chapter president, agreed that the FBLA opened up new opportunities for her future.
“FBLA seemed like something I would be able to carry with me for the rest of my life,” Pisano said.
At the end of the ceremony, the team was presented with a state House citation issued by Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-119, Hanover Twp. The citation, signed by Ryncavage and House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-191, celebrated the Crestwood FBLA, crediting chapter members for how they “exemplify the organization’s mission.” The state House is also designating the week running from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14 as National FBLA Week.
“I felt very honored today to be recognized,” said Crestwood senior Thomas Thompson, the chapter parliamentarian. “It really felt like what we’re doing here matters.”