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Business students take home big win

The teens will go to Orlando.

By Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer
Published February 22, 2008

Wharton Wildcats have another team to root for this spring, though its competition takes place far from the field.

The Future Business Leaders of America club had 22 students qualify for state championships in April at the District 17 contest Jan. 31 at Higgins Hall in St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

"They competed against almost 2,000 other students in the area," said Allison Cuffaro, a Web design teacher and the club's adviser. "To have so many winners, we are just so excited."

Cuffaro said when she took over the club several years ago, there were 30 members and now there are more than 80.

Any student who takes a business class in Wharton's Business and Technology Academy is eligible to join the club.

"We encourage them to become a part of clubs because they are an important part of applying to colleges," Cuffaro said. "And we want them to be well-rounded."

Now that the team has made it to the championships, they need to raise money to make it to Orlando April 24-27 to compete.

She's been hauling candy around for months and "in March, we are going to start after-school candy sales and smoothie sales," Cuffaro said. "But even still, students may end up having to pay $100 out of pocket to attend."

That's $100 some of the members can't afford.

"This is a great chance for our students and any support that can be given would really be appreciated," she added.

To donate, contact Allison Cuffaro at (813) 631-4710, ext. 260.

[Last modified February 21, 2008, 22:36:01]