Evensvold Named Local Chapter Advisor Of The Year
By Erika Littlefield, MCP Intern
Kendra Evensvold, a business and technology teacher at Stanley High School, has been named the 2024 North Dakota FBLA Local Chapter Advisor of the Year. This honor recognizes her eleven years of commitment to helping students grow through the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program.
When Evensvold first became the advisor, it was part of her job. She didn’t expect to stay in the role for long, but something changed. “That first year was really about learning as I went,” she said. “But every year I added a little more, and I ended up falling in love with it.”
Since then, the chapter has grown in big ways. In her first year, only two students qualified for the national FBLA competition. This year, sixteen students earned that same honor. The chapter also became a Gold Champion Chapter, which is awarded to schools that are active, organized, and successful at both the state and national levels.
Each year, Evensvold looks for small ways to grow the chapter. She adds new activities, finds new fundraising ideas, and gives students as much support as she can. “You don’t have to change everything overnight,” she said. “Just keep building year after year.”
One of the most successful additions has been the “Little Lemon” fundraiser. It started last year and quickly became popular in the community. FBLA members love helping run the stand, and community members show up to support them. The money raised goes toward student travel to competitions, especially nationals.
Another big success was the chapter’s financial literacy boot camp. This event brought in guest speakers and gave students chances to job shadow local professionals. “I love building those connections with local businesses,” she said. “They really want to support our kids, and it makes a big difference.”
Helping students grow is what Evensvold enjoys most about being an advisor. One of the biggest areas of growth she sees is in public speaking. “A lot of students start out shy and afraid to talk in front of others,” she said. “But by the end of the year, they’re presenting confidently at state or even national events.”
Even during busy or difficult times, Evensvold has stayed committed to the program. Between 2018 and 2022, she had three children and took maternity leave three times, but the chapter kept going strong. “It was tough,” she said. “But I had two strong student leaders who helped manage sign-ups and made sure everything stayed on track. We got through it together.”
Some of her proudest memories include seeing students hit big milestones. She remembers one student becoming state FBLA president, and another placing first in the country at nationals. “It’s so rewarding to watch students grow into young professionals,” she said. “You get to see what they’re truly capable of.”
Students in the chapter describe Evensvold as a mentor, someone who is passionate and always prepared. “She meets with us often, helps us get ready, and pushes us to do our best,” one student shared. “She really believes in us.”
Evensvold says that FBLA gives students a place to belong, especially those who may not be involved in sports or other school clubs. “It brings students from different grades and backgrounds together,” she said. “It helps them find their place and build confidence.”
For new advisors just starting out, Evensvold offers a simple piece of advice: “Start small. Focus on the parts of FBLA that match what you already teach. Don’t try to do it all at once.”
The North Dakota FBLA Advisor of the Year Award is given each year to educators who show strong leadership and make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. With over a decade of dedication, creativity, and care. Kendra Evensvold continues to show what’s possible when students have the support they need to grow and succeed.