CHICAGO - Recent Auburn grad Kate Jones put herself and Auburn High School on the map at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) nationals in Chicago, taking home third place in public speaking.

Jones' performance at nationals comes on the heels of a first place finish at the state competition in Kearney, which qualified her for nationals.

Jones admitted to having some nerves, but settled in once the competition got underway. 

"It was amazing and super rewarding to know that all the hard work paid off," Jones said. "Even the trip itself, you know, we had a great time up there in Chicago, but to stand on stage in front of all those thousands of people, it was very nerve-wracking..."

But I had to keep reminding myself that I had already made it and everything was going to work out fine."

FBLA is a big deal in Auburn and the program is partakes in a lot of community service--including the backpack program and after school programs. 

FBLA Advisor for Auburn High School, Miranda Gerdes, said the program has between 70-80 members and contains students that compete in athletics along with other clubs and activities. 

Gerdes spoke to watching Jones compete in Chicago from her perspective. 

"There were 15,000 people there (in Chicago)," Gerdes said. "So for Kate to be on stage in front of all of those people was beyond amazing..."

Gerdes--who was hired at Auburn 10 years ago--has loved her time as the FBLA advisor and enjoys watching the progression of the kids in the program. 

"It's just been great to watch kids like Kate start out as freshman and then end their careers as seniors," Gerdes said. " And I love that this club really makes a lasting impact on kids..."

As for Jones, she has some big plans for her future and has an idea of what she would like to do for a career when the time comes. 

"I'm planning on attending Central Michigan University where I will study broadcasting and cinematic arts..." Jones said. "I hope to become a news anchor one day or be on the radio and hopefully I can incorporate that public speaking."