OBHS sisters get early start in business world
Senior, sophomore gain leadership skills through FBLA
BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer

FBLA adviser Dave Morrongiello, Supervisor of Industrial Technology/Business Karen Venezia and Old Bridge High School Principal James Hickey pose with Dedeepya Konuthula and Neeraja Konuthula, who were honored recently by the Board of Education.

OLD BRIDGE - Two sisters have made it their business to rise to the top in a student organization.

Neeraja and Dedeepya Konuthula, members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), both ranked in the top 10 after making it to the national level of competitions in the organization, and they plan to reach for the top again this year.

"I've gained a lot more confidence, because I do well at these competitions, and it makes me realize that I can compete with other people," said Neeraja, a senior.

After placing first in the area of business communications in last year's state competitions, Neeraja went on to take home third place in the nationals at the annual conference in Chicago. She placed fifth in the FBLA principals and procedures category. Along with the honors, Neeraja won a $400 scholarship for her efforts.

Though she has plans to major in biomedical engineering to become a cardiac surgeon, Neeraja said she gets a lot out of her participation in FBLA. She joined as a freshman at the suggestion of a teacher, who thought her skills were suited to the student group, Neeraja said. Despite the fun activities FBLA members have a chance to take part in, membership does add to a student's workload.

"I think of it more as another challenge, because when the time gets here, it gets pretty nerve-wracking," Neeraja said.

As a member of the National Honor Society and other academic organizations, it comes as no surprise that Neeraja rose to the top in the competitions. She is hoping to compete again in this summer's nationals, she said.

Dedeepya, a sophomore, seems to be following in the footsteps of her older sister. Also placing first in the state competitions, in the area of business math, Dedeepya went on to the nationals to place 10th. She said the test was not particularly daunting for her.

"It was just basically like a math test with business-based problems," Dedeepya said.

Dedeepya also plans to go into the medical field, to become a doctor. She joined FBLA as a freshman, after taking a business related course that she enjoyed. Dedeepya said another reason for joining was that her sister was a member.

Like Neeraja, Dedeepya earns high marks in her classes at school. She also plays the piano and flute, and enjoys reading during her down time.

Last year's trip to Chicago may have been the product of hard work and dedication for the sisters, who were two of the three finalists from the state, but it also proved to be a great time, according to Dedeepya.

"It was fun," Dedeepya said. "At nationals, it's amazing. You meet a lot of people you wouldn't normally meet."

Karen Venezia, co-advisor for the group and supervisor of the high school's business department, said the students do most of their studying for the competitions independently, and the school does quite well in them each year. Venezia said FBLA is always seeking funds to help send the students to competitions.

"I think this organization gives them leadership skills, and the ability to network with business professionals and an awareness of the American enterprise system," Venezia said.

The group will celebrate American Enterprise Day Nov. 15, and will make public announcements to educate students about the enterprise system in this country, Venezia said. On Nov, 27, career night will bring representatives from many areas of business to the school to talk with students about possible career paths.

Venezia's co-advisor, David Morrongiello, was involved in FBLA as a high school student, and decided to continue his work with the group.

"I was very impressed by how much FBLA did here at Old Bridge High School," Morrongiello said. "I think it gives them a pretty unique exposure to the business world at such a young age. It also gives them a really good opportunity to network with students at other schools. I think it helps them fine-tune their professionalism."