>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Elgin High School senior Miles Naughton has a promising future in website design.

Naughton’s recent high finish at the national Future Business Leaders of America conference in Atlanta is proof.

Naughton placed ninth in the E-Business event at the national conference. He made history in doing so, becoming the first student from Elgin to ever place in an event at the national FBLA conference.

Entrants in the E-Business event had their web design skills put to the test.

Entrants had to create a business website through which all FBLA members in their state could theoretically purchase national FBLA T-shirts.

The sites had to have a coordinated, readily apparent theme. Entrants also were judged on how well the site would motivate members to buy T-shirts. The sites had to have a navigation scheme, graphics, a shopping cart and pricing for individuals or groups.

Each site also had to provide payment options, delivery options and security guarantees.

Naughton did not actually make or sell FBLA T-shirts. But he did create designs for several that were displayed on his website.

Naughton advanced to nationals by placing first at the State FBLA Conference in Portland in April. In Atlanta, Naughton first participated in a preliminary competition. He did well, advancing to the final round of 15.

Peggy Anthony, the Elgin FBLA chapter adviser, said that Naughton’s speaking skills played an important role in his success. Fifty percent of the points awarded by judges in the E-Business event were based on the quality of the oral presentations entrants gave.

Naughton, who will be a senior this fall, has been a member of the Elgin FBLA chapter since he was a freshman. He is the son of Jim and Marta Naughton.

Naughton’s high finish adds to Elgin High School’s already sparkling FBLA legacy. Elgin’s FBLA chapter has won 13 straight state FBLA titles in its classification. EHS has won 16 state titles since 1984. Elgin competes in the 2A classification, which is for schools with 116 to 235 students. All of the state titles have been won under the guidance of Anthony, a business teacher at EHS.

Naughton said Anthony is the key to the chapter’s success.

“Mrs. A is a great adviser. She’s amazing.’’