Giving Back to Future Leaders: Misty and Robert Ritch Judge FBLA District Competition

On January 10, 2026, Misty and Robert Ritch had the opportunity to support the next generation of business and community leaders by serving as judges at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District Competition, hosted at Lakewood Ranch High School.

The event brought together motivated high school students from across the district to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and professionalism in a variety of competitive events designed to mirror real-world business challenges.

Roles on the Judging Panel

Robert Ritch joined the judging panel for Business Ethics and Customer Service, two cornerstone areas that emphasize integrity, decision-making, and relationship-building in today’s business environment. Students were evaluated on their understanding of ethical dilemmas, professional standards, and their ability to provide thoughtful, customer-centered solutions.

Misty Ritch served as a judge for Broadcasting Journalism and Event Planning, assessing students on communication skills, storytelling, organization, creativity, and execution. These events required participants to think strategically, present clearly, and demonstrate how strong planning and messaging can bring ideas to life.

Both Misty and Robert were impressed by the level of preparation, confidence, and passion shown by the students, many of whom demonstrated skills well beyond their years.

A Brief History of FBLA

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) was founded in 1940 in Tennessee with a mission to prepare students for careers in business and business-related fields. What began as a small student organization has grown into one of the largest career and technical student organizations in the world.

Today, FBLA serves

nationwide through middle school, high school, and collegiate chapters. The organization focuses on leadership development, academic competitions, community service, and career readiness, helping students build confidence and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

FBLA competitions, like the district event held at Lakewood Ranch High School, play a critical role in this mission by giving students hands-on experience in presenting ideas, solving problems, and receiving feedback from professionals in the field.

Investing in the Future

Serving as judges allowed Misty and Robert Ritch to give back in a meaningful way—supporting youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and ethical business practices. Their involvement reflects a shared belief that small moments of mentorship and encouragement can have a lasting impact on young people as they prepare for college, careers, and community leadership.