HUGHESVILLE The destination is Anaheim, California for two Hughesville High School (HHS) students who last April in Hershey, won second place in a statewide competition for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Hannah Avery and Melanie Santo had been victorious at the regional level, and with the state win to their credit, they are the first Hughesville High School students to go to nationals in the competition’s 62 year history. In the business category at nationals, Avery and Santo will face two teams from each state.

The imaginary business created by the pair was “The Williamsport Laundromat.” They felt the venture would be successful as it would fill the needs of college students and incoming gas workers. The future leaders laid out the logistics of cost versus income in a seven minute power point program coupled with a verbal presentation.

Both contenders felt they edged out other participants due to their public speaking abilities. They credit this success to Mrs. Bethany Hartman, their business teacher, and also a group of local business leaders. “After we presented to a gathering of several business persons, we were critiqued and given pointers,” Santo said. “Because of their input we changed it up,” said Avery.

Travel expenses for the California bound students were raised through the generosity of local businesses and community organizations who matched funds raised by the students.

While on the west coast, work will be mixed with some play. “We’re scheduled to tour Los Angles, Hollywood, whale watch, and see a ball game between the Phillies and Dodgers,” Avery said.

Santos noted other HHS students who placed during the state FBLA event. They were Trey Smith, Alexis Harder and Trenton Woolcock who earned ninth place in web design.