Frankfort-Schuyler sophomore Jeffrey John Pritchard placed third at the national competition of Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA) in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend.
Having already placed first in the district and state competitions, he survived an initial cut on Friday from 75 of the top performers to just 15 finalist.
Impromptu speaking served as the category of choice for the five-year FBLA veteran. He explained the process as receiving an unknown subject, such as importance of budgeting by teens, taking 10 minutes for preparation on a single notecard, and delivering a four minute speech.      
The preliminary rounds used three judges in a closed environment, but for the conclusion four judges and a room of nearly 150 spectators threw an unexpected element into the mix.
But, Pritchard made it to the finals by excelling under improvising under pressure.
“I loved it,” he said commenting on the audience.
Providing examples of the resistance by Gandhi to British rule and the Dalai Lama to Chinese rule, Pritchard used their rise to influence to address the final issue: The power of one person to change their community, state, or country.
He said the audience applauded and, “I could tell they found something good in my speech,” referring to his message that people don’t have to be all-powerful to make a difference.
Following the announcement of his third-place finish, one thing took precedence, “The second I found out, I called my friends and told them all about it.”
Now that Pritchard has won states he can no longer compete in the same category next year, according to Renee Trojnar, Frankfort-Schuyler FBLA advisor.
Fortunately there is a public speaking category for prepared speeches that Pritchard plans to tackle.
Since Trojnar has watched her pupil, the first Frankfort-Schuyler member to go to nationals, standout as a program enthusiast throughout his entire career, she expressed interest in tapping his recent accomplishment for the good of the program.
“I have bigger plans for him in the future.” said Trojnar. Adding, the plan is to have Pritchard be part of the recruitment efforts in the middle schools, and eventually to attempt a run at becoming a district, state and then national FBLA officer.
Basically, representing his area at the committees that make decisions on the future of the association.   
He even pitched FBLA during a phone interview, “I’m glad to be home...and hopefully we can start to get more people to compete next year.”
Trojnar said the recruitment in the middle school branch, which Pritchard helped found, will incorporate a video of the recent award ceremony.
Receiving his award in front of 7,000 people, Pritchard later joked about having to suppress the natural urge to break into an acceptance speech on behalf of Frankfort-Schuyler FBLA.
“This was huge; placing third in the nation,” said Trojnar. “We’re just so proud of him.”