Sixteen Future Business Leaders of America students from Cinco Ranch High School in Katy attended the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, this summer. Each of these students had to place in the top four in Texas in their respective events during the State Leadership Conference back in February 2025.

Three Cinco Ranch students placed in the finals at Nationals. Leading the charge, sophomore Sean Zhou placed third in the nation in Intro to Business Communication. Fellow sophomore Valentina Zhang placed eighth in Intro to Financial Math, and freshman Michelle Onianwa placed sixth in Intro to Parliamentary Procedure.

“When I won, it was the most surprised I have ever felt,” said Onianwa. “I read the winners’ list wrong and only found out I placed after hearing everyone around me shout my name.”

Zhang shared how surreal the moment felt, describing “even now, it still doesn’t feel real.”

The students exchanged pins with peers from other states while proudly representing Texas with their own pins and cowboy hats. They also attended business-focused workshops, preparing themselves as the next generation of leaders.

However, competing was only a part of the trip. The students also got to experience Disneyland, going on rides like the Incredicoaster, the park’s fastest coaster, and Goofy’s Sky School, which gave the thrill of feeling like they were about to fall off the tracks. They also enjoyed a dazzling fireworks show. “The grand finale was so bright, it felt like daytime,” said Zhang.