FBLA awarded Lead4Change grant

ODESSA- For the eighth year in a row, Odessa High School FBLA has won a prize in the Lead4Change Challenge sponsored by the David Leadership Foundation.

This year, the group won second place and $500 for their service project entry "December to Remember."

The FBLA completed nine operations to spread joy and kindness at Christmas.

Members designated the Old Town Hall Rejuvenation Society as their non-profit.

Members Hayden Schuh and Dakota Steward presented the check to Paul Scheller, President of the OTHRS.

As a result of their many contributions to the Old Town Hall in recent years, students chose how to spend their prize money.

The students have chosen a sound system that can be used for dances and other gatherings.

In 2019 FBLA members won a $10,000 prize in the Lead4Change Challenge with their service project "A new point of view."

They raised over $35,000 to replace all the windows at the Old Town Hall.

The $10,000 prize was also designated for the Old Town Hall and has recently been used to purchase five new doors and trim for the south room.

Dale King, former Odessa resident, made headers to match the original historic woodwork.

King and his brother Todd King installed the new doors and trim.

The floor trim is the last item on the-to-do list and the project will then be completed.

Odessa High School FBLA has been using the Lead4Change Challenge Leadership program to teach leadership skills through service to all members starting in 2014.

Since their first entry in 2015, Odessa FBLA has won nearly $100,000.

These grants have benefited the following non-profits: Second Harvest Food Bank ($25,000), Odessa Fire Department ($12,500), Okanagan Long-Term Recovery Program($12,500), Odessa Friends of the Pool($10,000), Odessa Historical Society/OTHRS( $20,000), Embrace Washington ($2,000) and Odessa School District ($15,000 in equipment).