All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

A-B students recognized with top honors at PBL State Leadership Conference

AB PBL State Conference
Thirteen of the nineteen Alderson Broaddus students pose with their awards from the PBL State Leadership Conference. Front row, right to left: Brenna Dugan, Michalea Bolyard, Gray Ramsey, Abigail Busch, Alexcia Kolish, Tiffany Hinchman, Rhea John. Second row, right to left: Rich Foley (advisor), Alex Buckheit, Christian Heater, Kiley Sparks, Jeremy Linaburg, Abigail Smith, Ciara Bauman.


PHILIPPI, W.Va. — The Alderson Broaddus University Phi Beta Lambda chapter joined more than 150 of West Virginia’s best and brightest business-minded college students to Lead, Educate, and Inspire at the PBL State Leadership Conference in Fairmont. Students attended the conference to enhance their business skills, expand their networks, and participate in 60 business and business-related competitive events to qualify for a spot at nationals.

The Alderson Broaddus University PBL chapter won top honors in their division, qualifying 19 members who will move on to compete at the National Leadership Conference held in San Antonio, Texas in June.

Walaa Abo Elenin from Clarksburg, W.Va. won second place in Microeconomics; Ciara Bauman from Barnesville, Ohio won first in Hospitality Management and second in Parliamentary Procedure; Michalea Bolyard from Newburg, W.Va. won first in Parliamentary Procedure and Integrated Marketing Campaign; Alex Buckheit from Baltimore, Md. won first in Integrated Marketing Campaign and second in Parliamentary Procedure; Abigail Busch from Eldersburg, Md. won second in Business Law and Global Analysis & Decision Making; Carson Comer from Powell, Ohio won second in Macroeconomics; Wade Conner from Grafton, W.Va. won first in Integrated Marketing Campaign and Parliamentary Procedure; Brenna Dugan from Alum Creek, W.Va. won third in Job Interview and Desktop Publishing; 

Christian Heater from Rock Cave, W.Va. won second in Business Law and Global Analysis & Decision Making; Tiffany Hinchman from Grafton, W.Va. won first in Hospitality Management and second in Parliamentary Procedure; Rhea John from Kerala, India won first in Business Sustainability; Alexcia Kolish from Middletown, Pa. won first in Parliamentary Procedure and Business Decision Making; Ja’Torrian Lee from Charlotte, N.C. won second in Parliamentary Procedure; Jeremy Linaburg from Stephens City, Va. won first in Social Media Campaign and Local Chapter Annual Business Report; Gray Ramsey from Plano, Texas won second in Parliamentary Procedure; Katelyn Shrader from Beverly, W.Va. won first in Parliamentary Procedure; Abigail Smith from Winchester, Va. won second in Organizational Behavior & Leadership and third in Desktop Publishing; Kiley Sparks from Dillsboro, Ind. won first in Future Business Educator; and Taylor Treadway from Ravenswood, W.Va. won first in Parliamentary Procedure.

“It’s always a pleasure to be a part of these competitions and to be with your peers from across a wide variety of colleges and disciplines,” stated Jeremy Linaburg, Alderson Broaddus PBL chapter president. “I’m so proud of our PBL chapter at AB.” 

These awards are part of a comprehensive national competitive events program sponsored by FBLA-PBL that recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers.

“It’s an honor to serve alongside so many bright, talented, and motivated students who recognize the importance of demonstrating career-related skills during these events,” said Linaburg. “Our top place finishes speak volumes about the quality of our students and our education at AB.” 

AB PBL State Conference
AB students participating in the Parliamentary Procedure competition pose for a photo at the PBL State Leadership Conference. From right to left: Michalea Bolyard, Alex Buckheit, Gray Ramsey, Ciara Bauman, Tiffany Hinchman, Wade Connor.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Football Bucs fall to Robert C. Byrd, 34-0; but still projected to make playoff field at No. 16

Buckhannon-Upshur was shut out 34-0 by Robert C. Byrd after gaining just 117 yards and struggling in the rain, yet remained projected at No. 16 in the WVSSAC playoff field.
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats win marathon outing against Glenville State, 3-2

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Lady Bobcats rallied to defeat Glenville State 3–2 in a five-set marathon, led by Bhrooke Axe’s 24 kills and Lacey Guthrie’s 31 assists to improve to 17–8 (9–4 MEC).

Wesleyan grad named West Virginia High School Art Teacher of the Year by WVAEA

Elaina DePetro, a 2018 West Virginia Wesleyan graduate and John Marshall High School art teacher, was named West Virginia Art Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Art Education Association.

A new chapter begins in Buckhannon as Volume Bookshop & Studio brings books and tea to Main Street

From new and used books to British teas and shortbread, Volume Bookshop & Studio will hold its grand opening Monday in downtown Buckhannon. The new indie spot from Nicki Bentley-Colthart and Spike Nesmith also features a podcast studio, kids’ books, puzzles, vinyl and more.

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: November 13, 2025

The Buckhannon Water Board will meet November 13, 2025, and this notice provides the meeting agenda.

Football Bucs to visit RCB Friday with playoff berths on the line for both teams

Buckhannon-Upshur (2-7) visits Robert C. Byrd (4-5) Friday with both teams fighting for playoff spots, as Bucs quarterback Dawson Tenney aims for 1,000 rushing yards after last week’s 60-57 thriller.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 11: B-U marches towards a playoff spot

Buckhannon-Upshur sits 16th in Class AAAA SSAC and looks likely for a playoff spot as the Bucs head into a winnable Week 11 game, while local picks contest standings and college matchups draw heated fan reactions.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center to sponsor Free Family Bowling Night on Nov. 19

Mountain CAP Family Support Center will host a free Family Bowling Night with games and shoe rental on November 19 from 5–10 p.m. at Woody’s Bowling Center.

Apply now: Upshur County CEOS seek 2026 Junior Belle

Upshur County CEOS seek third- or fourth-grade 4-H applicants for the 2026 Junior Belle, who will represent the county and attend the WV State Folk Festival, with applications due Jan. 5, 2026.