PFEFFERKORN INDUCTS CHAFFEE OFFICERS

CHAFFEE -- Two of Missouri's top student figures in the business education scene took part in the annual Chaffee High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) officer and new member installation ceremony Dec. 7.

Josh Pfefferkorn of Jackson, state FBLA president and Chaffee native Jason Mott, state president of Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity, both spoke glowing words about FBLA and contributions the organization makes, both to individuals and to communities.

"FBLA is a constant reinforcer of the quality people being raised in our communities today, a reminder that is desperately needed," said Pfefferkorn, who visits a number of FBLA chapters in his role as state president. "Shots echo throughout our communities, forcing people to wonder what is wrong with youth today? With each additional hooting, the hope of tomorrow's America grows a little dimmer.

"Organizations like FBLA shed light on a sometimes dark outlook of our future."

Mott is a senior sports management major at Southeast Missouri State University. Since leaving Chaffee, Mott has been active all four years in Phi Beta Lambda -- basically the university version of FBLA. He stressed to the students that contacts made through such organizations are just as important as the actual material learned.

The two installed the 1999-2000 slate of Chaffee officers.

Pfefferkorn stressed the importance of organizations like FBLA in helping the adult world maintain a positive view of today's youth, despite media attention on school shootings and other negative events.

"Projects such as environmental awareness and sending holiday cards to nursing homes soothes the mindset of dour community members, giving them something else to hear about youth, as opposed to the echoing of gun shots," he said. "We have to show the world the positive things we are doing, providing something good for teens to copy cat, aside from the destructive acts commonly mimicked today."

"I was very pleased that both Josh and Jason were able to be here," said Jeanette Wachter, Chaffee FBLA advisor. "It was nice to have them talk to the kids. It was an honor to be able to bring both of the student presidents here. I wish the entire student body could have heard them speak."