PVHS students selected for statewide FBLA leadership roles

For Paradise Valley High School, this year’s announcement brought more than good news — it brought pride, validation and a renewed sense of possibility for students in the campus FBLA Media chapter.

Juniors Dhruva Vasireddy and Sahil Gwalani were selected to serve on the FBLA State Councils, an honor that recognizes leadership, academic achievement and commitment to service. Their appointment marks the first time in years PVHS has earned a council seat and places the school among a small number statewide with two students rising to these roles.

"When I saw the email saying that I’ve been selected for the president’s council on the state council, I was excited as many people throughout the state had applied for this and I was one of the few chosen for this amazing opportunity," said Vasireddy. "I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working on the state council.“

FBLA State Councils play a central role in shaping student leadership across Arizona. Members assist state officers in planning regional, state and national conferences, develop programming that prepares high school students for careers in business and media, and support communication efforts across more than 70 FBLA chapters statewide. Students selected for the councils also serve as ambassadors for CTE programming in Arizona, helping elevate student voice in decisions that impact members across the state.

For Dhruva and Sahil, the honor caps a year of achievement that placed them among FBLA’s most successful competitors. Both qualified for national competition last year, distinguishing themselves in a field that includes thousands of students across Arizona.

“I joined the state council to try and help spread FBLA throughout the state of Arizona so more people can have the same opportunities as I have had," Vasireddy said. "I’ve been able to go to state and national conferences where I learnt how to be a better leader among other skills while competing in competitions."

"First off, I am really excited to represent PVHS at the state level in competitions and in the state council," Gwalani said. "The opportunity of state council will allow me to give back to FBLA, represent over 13,000 AZ FBLA members, and be able to make a difference on issues I am passionate about. On the state council, I hope to help FBLA members enhance their financial literacy skills and also work to gain sponsors for FBLA. Joining FBLA has given me great memories and professional experiences with my peers which I will never forget. I also would like to give thanks to my advisor Mr.Truog for supporting me in all my endeavors."

What the state council role involves

Advisers say their selection to the councils reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the strength of PVSchool’s media program, which blends digital production skills, business foundations and leadership training.

In addition to supporting event planning and statewide communication, Dhruva and Sahil will spend the year collaborating with student leaders from across Arizona. Council members often gain early exposure to professional environments, learning project management, marketing, public speaking and teamwork skills that mirror real industry expectations.

For many, the experience becomes a bridge to internships, college programs and careers in business, media and technology.

Administrators say the achievement reflects years of work to expand high-quality career and technical education opportunities at Paradise Valley High School and ensure students can access competitive leadership roles. The school has steadily grown its FBLA Media chapter, increasing participation in competitions, service projects and leadership training.

"Dhruva and Sahil are part of our PV FBLA officer team and have done an amazing job helping our chapter grow," said Stephen J. Truog, PVHS FBLA adviser. "They were two of our 14 students who qualified for nationals last year, and I'm so proud that they have been selected to the FBLA State Council this year. It's a great honor to have one student from a school make it to the state council, yet alone two, but we had some terrific candidates at PV this year and I know they will do a great job planning our FBLA events this year."

As the school year progresses, Dhruva and Sahil will contribute to major FBLA events, including the State Leadership Conference in the spring and national competitions in the summer. Their roles will place PVHS in the statewide spotlight and provide students across the campus a firsthand look at what is possible through dedication, academic excellence and career-focused learning.

For Paradise Valley High School, the appointments are more than individual honors. They signal momentum in expanding leadership pathways that help students develop the confidence, skills and vision needed for success in a changing economy.

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.