Oklahoma's CareerTech system continues to shine on the national stage, as evidenced by the recent CareerTech State Board Meeting held in July 2024. The meeting highlighted the achievements of Oklahoma's Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), showcasing the leadership of newly elected national officers who represent the state.

Brandon Weibel, the newly appointed national president of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), shared his journey to leadership, which began with a rigorous application process and culminated in a national conference in Seattle. Weibel emphasized the importance of addressing the teacher pipeline, a critical issue for the future of education in Oklahoma and beyond. His election reflects not only personal achievement but also the strength of Oklahoma's CTSOs in fostering leadership skills among students.

Joining Weibel were Thomas Branson and Mikaela Adams, who were elected as national officers for Business Professionals of America (BPA). Both shared their experiences from the national conference in Chicago, where they campaigned and networked with thousands of peers. Their roles will allow them to advocate for BPA and Oklahoma on a larger scale, further enhancing the state's reputation in career and technical education.

The officers expressed their hopes for the upcoming year, focusing on developing strong leadership skills and giving back to their organizations. They will participate in monthly meetings and various national events, including a Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where they will learn advocacy skills and represent their peers.

The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment of Oklahoma's CareerTech system to empower students through leadership opportunities and professional development. As these young leaders embark on their national roles, they carry with them the aspirations of their communities, aiming to strengthen the connections between education and workforce readiness. The CareerTech State Board's support for these initiatives reflects a broader goal of enhancing educational outcomes and preparing students for successful careers.