More than 1,800 of the nation’s best and brightest college students traveled to Southern California to establish their own Legacy of Leadership as they competed for the opportunity to win more than $95,000 in cash awards; two of them went as Titans.
 
Sondra Jeffries, a Business Management student, and Jarvis Jackson, a Metrology student and first-year member, represented Central Georgia Technical College’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter’s participation in PBL National Leadership Conference titled, Legacy of Leadership, held June 24-27 in Anaheim. The conference brings together chapters to enhance their business skills, expand their networks, and participate in 60 business-related competitive events.
 
Both Jeffries and Jackson are first-place winners in statewide level competitions, and took on more than 100 competitors in Human Resources Management and Sports Marketing Management competitions, respectively.
 
Their respective events consisted of an initial computerized test to determine 15 finalists for the performance portion. As a finalist, each were presented a scenario in their field and given a short time to prepare a response. They gave their responses before a panel of judges. Jeffries placed tenth overall and Jackson sixth place.
 
“To test against these institutions is an astounding feat. Other students may have competed for many more years and seen more material in their daily studies. National competitions are more difficult, but when our students make a bold statement and place, it’s also more rewarding.” said, Antonio Watkins, High School Initiatives coordinator and PBL advisor at CGTC.
 
“As advisors we certainly don’t take these students’ achievements lightly. We are extremely proud not just of their accomplishments, but of their willingness to go forward unintimidated and full of confidence,” Watkins said.
 
For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers. However, in addition to competing, Jeffries and Jackson also took part in, visiting exhibit halls, networking, and various interactive workshops provided by the conference.
 
Other advisors for PBL include, Jane Sheppard, Psychology instructor, and JaMelle Hill, a career advisor for CGTC.