- Meyersdale Area School District
- Overview
FBLA spreads love and joy
For more than 20 years, Meyersdale Area High School students have sold tokens of love and affection for the annual Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Valentine’s Day Carnation sale.
This program is under the direction of Chris Custer. Custer called the annual carnation sale a school tradition and a celebration of love and friendship for all students in grades k through 12.
Custer said the annual sale has become an event students look forward to each school year.
“This has really become a school tradition and show our school spirit,” Custer explained. “This is not really a fundraiser for FBLA but a chance to do something for our school.”
With the help of 12 members, orders are taken, placed and then delivered. But, the process is not an easy one, in fact, the carnation sale requires many hours of work and preparation. Members began working on this project months ago, contacting local florists to place the initial order. Posters and flyers were created to advertise the sale throughout the District. Once orders were placed, members tallied the totals and recorded all information on spreadsheets. Careful bookkeepings and record-keeping is a key aspect of this annual project, to ensure that every “someone special” received their flower.
Trevor Gnagey said he enjoys the time out of class to prepare for the annual sale, but also enjoys knowing he is contributing to a project that is so special to the elementary and middle school students.
“I am glad I am able to help deliver carnations because I am helping students spread joy and love and I enjoy the community service,” explained Dan Stein, senior.
On Valentine’s Day, members sorted more nearly 500 carnations to be labeled and then later distributed. Based on the smiles of the recipients as they headed home, the sale was a “blooming” success.
Junior Tiffani Christner said this is her first year and she loved the feeling of accomplishment as the carnations were distributed.
“I enjoy this project because it spreads love,” added Tanner Krause, senior.
Nadia Minnick said she enjoyed wrapping the carnations knowing their delivery would be spreading love throughout the school. Bryia Swick agreed, noting that she favorite part was”seeing the little kids reactions when they receive the flowers.”
“Participating in the carnation project is special to me because when people receive them they glow and they feel loved,” Emma Sines, junior.
Members of the Meyersdale Area High School Future Business Leaders of America recently held their annual Valentine’s Day Carnation Sale. The following member, (from left) Tiffani Christner, Bryia Swick, Nadia Minnick, Tanner Krause and Dan Stein; sold, sorted and wrapped nearly 500 carnations on Valentine’s Day.