Passion & Purpose: Fall 2026
Investing in Future Business Leaders Pays Off
Any business leader worth their salt knows one thing: You have to seize a good opportunity when you see it.
Earlier this year, Niangua’s Future Business Leaders of America team punched their ticket to the FBLA’s National Leadership Conference in San Antonio. One problem: they were short about $10,000 for travel expenses.
Rather than deprive the 10 middle school and high school students from Niangua R-V School District the opportunity to compete at the highest level, the school made an appeal for community support. Local businesses answered the call to the tune of $5,000.
To raise the rest, team sponsor Jennifer Callaway reached out to the CFO, where the Webster County school district is a member of the Rural Schools Partnership. Thanks to generous donors and a gift from the CFO President’s Fund, Niangua’s full team was able to attend the conference, see historical sites like the Alamo (above) and return home with elite national honors. The Niangua Middle School and High School chapters were recognized as National Champions for their success throughout the 2025–26 school year.
“Getting the chance to represent my school and compete alongside some of my closest friends, and also many talented students from across the country, was something I’m truly grateful for,” says senior Braisyn Bouvia. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me grow as a person, and made so many memories that I will forever cherish.”
The CFO thanks the following donors for supporting this effort: Missouri College Access Network Fund; Jim and Janet Anderson Family Fund; Fogle Family Fund; Susan Lemmon/Lemmon Family Charitable Fund; Laurie Edmondson/Jewell Schweitzer Donor Advised Fund; Thomas and Kimberly Prater Family Fund; and Taylor McCabe-Juhnke/Rural Schools Collaborative.
