The Macks Creek FBLA LifeSmarts team represented their school on the national stage April 14–18, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, competing against 46 of the top teams in the country. After earning a wild card bid with a second-place finish at the Missouri state competition, the team advanced to nationals and delivered an impressive performance—rising from 43rd place to 24th overall in a highly competitive field.
LifeSmarts, a national consumer education program operated by the National Consumers League, challenges students to apply real-world knowledge in areas such as personal finance, consumer rights and responsibilities, technology and workforce preparation, health and safety, and the environment. The Macks Creek team—juniors Israel Husong, Maddie Moos, Kaylee Hicks, and Calvin Eidson—demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the multi-day competition.
Teams competed across seven events designed to test both knowledge and teamwork. These included producing a video on sun safety or over-the-counter medication safety, completing Intuit’s “Hour of Personal Finance” challenge, collaborating in a “sister team” escape room activity with a team from Wisconsin, participating in SpeedSmarts quick-response rounds, and facing off in three high-pressure buzzer matches.
After a slow start that placed them 43rd, the Macks Creek team steadily climbed the rankings with strong performances across multiple events. Their run ended just short of the Sweet 16 elimination bracket after a close buzzer match loss to Floyd County 4-H, the eventual national champions. Despite the outcome, the team’s 19-place improvement highlights their perseverance and ability to compete with some of the nation’s best.
“This was an incredible experience for our students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations,” FBLA Adviser, Kristy Eidson, said. “Their growth throughout the competition and their determination to keep improving each round was something to be proud of.” The team went to Cocoa Beach for an afternoon, which was a first for everyone. Competing at such a high level and getting to travel to exciting destinations was the highlight of the school year for these students, who fundraised through bake sales at Bates Grocery last summer, donations from businesses, and travel stipends through Meta and ChildHelp.
Team members also reflected on the experience, noting the opportunity to collaborate with students from across the country and tackle challenges that mirror real-world decision-making. Maddie Moos stated “We definitely learned to pay attention to the wording of the questions.” Many questions had common-sense answers, but others required specialized knowledge, such as knowing that eutrophication is the process that creates algal bloom or that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs warranties on consumer products.
The team’s performance at nationals not only showcases their knowledge and teamwork but also brings recognition to Macks Creek’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. With valuable experience gained and momentum built, the team looks ahead to future competitions with confidence.