~WHEN AND WHERE THE CHAPTER WAS ORGANIZED~

It is just as important to remember how our chapter began as it is to celebrate our accomplishments. In that way we can always measure how far we have come, so those celebrations are sweeter. The Holyoke High School FBLA Chapter, Chapter 5053, was established in 1961. The chapter’s first advisers were Ms. Barbara Meakins and Ms. Sherrilyn Smith. At that time, the District IV Vice President came to induct Holyoke, Haxtun, and Wray into the Colorado FBLA organization. Holyoke FBLA has seen some of the best advisers including: Ms. Marilyn Garretson, Ms. Royce Gamble, Ms. Nancy Dee, Ms. Lori Nelson, Mr. Dave Krocker, Ms. Linda Willman, Mr. Lance Hewitt, Ms. Sharon Nielsen, and Ms. Kristie Ham. These advisers have led our chapter to receive the highest state award, the Peak V, and the highest national chapter award, the Outstanding Chapter, formerly known as the Gold Key Chapter. In addition, since 1994, at least one chapter member has competed at the National Leadership Conference every year. At the 1999 NLC, Anna Wall placed first in the Business Communications event. Since then, many of our members have brought home trophies from the NLC. Our chapter has produced many Colorado State Officers as well as nationally appointed committee members.