Adair County High School Student Natalie Bardin has made history by being elected as the 2025-2026 Kentucky president of Future Business Leaders of America.
Natalie’s interest in business began when she opened her own photography business at 12 years old. When she started high school, she wanted to be involved with something business related, so she chose to join FBLA. Her first year as a member, she was elected junior president of the club. As a sophomore, she was elected Region 2 president.
At the FBLA state conference in Louisville, Natalie ran for state president. During her campaign at the conference, she gave a speech in front of approximately 8,000 students from all over Kentucky, manned a campaign booth, and attended a question and answer session with delegates from each local chapter.
As state president, Natalie will travel to California this June to represent Kentucky at the National FBLA Conference. She will also attend FBLA camp in Hardinsburg.
Throughout the next year, Natalie will travel twice to the six FBLA regions across the state. In the fall, she will attend the fall leadership conferences at each region. She will later attend the Regional Leadership Conferences where students compete in various competitions to qualify for the state level.
“I’m just honored that everyone has been so supportive and thankful to the entire community and school system for their support” she stated. “I want to say thank you to JR Thompson (FBLA advisor) for all the encouragement and support he has given me. I truly wouldn’t be here in this position if it wasn’t for him”.
To any student who is interested in business or considering joining a club, Natalie offers this advice “Just take the leap. I cannot say enough good about it. It gives you the skills you need to go out into the world as a business professional.”
