Thirteen Nansemond River High School students are competing in contests at the 2016 Future Business Leaders of America’s state leadership conference this weekend in Reston.

According to Nansemond River business teacher and FBLA advisor Jason Bartholomew, the students will compete in nine individual or team contests: banking and financial systems, business communications, business law, computer applications, economics, global business, job interviewing, personal finance and insurance risk/management.

Participating students include Brandon Adams, Erin Bonney, Victoria Daniels, Donovan Gray, Jasmine Hall, Nia Johnson, Sasha Karlov, Sean Leonard, Christian MacDonald, Nikita Pelle-Jones, Starr Robinson, Bryanna Sullivan and Aneka Yelverton.

Although parents are covering students’ registrations and meals, the local FBLA chapter is responsible for covering their $1,700 hotel bill for students, Bartholomew said.

The school system will cover the cost up front, but the FBLA is responsible for reimbursing the division, he said.

Rather than having students sell candy or wrapping paper as a fundraiser, Bartholomew is asking local businesses for tax-deductible donations to support the students’ trip. A $125 donation will pay for one student’s two-night stay at the conference, he said.

“We want to create relationships with local businesses … because we are a business club,” Bartholomew said. “I’m hoping businesses will see their donations in the FBLA as an investment in their future.

“This is a unique opportunity for Suffolk businesses of today to make a commitment to our business leaders of tomorrow.”

So far, business donors have kicked in $600, he said. Although he is hopeful other donations will come in, the FBLA will hold fundraisers — probably car washes — to offset any remaining balance, he said.

Both he and the students are thankful for any help, Bartholomew said.

Anyone with questions or an interest in making donations can call Bartholomew at 904-502-9188 or send a check payable to Nansemond River High School, with FBLA on the memo line. Mail checks to Bartholomew’s attention at Nansemond River High School, 3301 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23434.