EL MONTE – South El Monte High School senior Roy Tong made District history by becoming the first El Monte Union High School District student to earn the title of national champion in Computer Applications at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas held June 29 through July 2.

The conference brought together nearly 16,000 middle and high school students, advisers, and guests from across North America to take part in 76 competitive business events and professional development activities. With financial support from the District, Tong competed in a two-hour Computer Applications competition that assessed his ability to use advanced formulas in spreadsheets, document formatting in word processing, and dynamic presentation development.

“I was proud of the chance to represent my school and the El Monte Union High School District,” Tong said. “Walking onto that stage knowing I was bringing home a trophy for my community, friends, and family was an experience I will never forget.”

South El Monte High’s FBLA chapter was also recognized as a Gold Champion Chapter for the 2025-26 school year, an honor awarded to chapters that excel in membership recruitment, engagement, service, and career technical education-focused activities. The chapter also received the California Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit, a national honor reserved for the top 15% of the best-performing active FBLA chapters in the state.

“This conference was an incredible learning experience and gave me the chance to connect with students who share similar interests and bring different perspectives,” Tong said. “Knowing I had the District’s support made a meaningful and lasting impact on me.”

Beyond the competition, Tong attended sessions focused on career exploration, chapter fundraising, and event planning. He also explored San Antonio landmarks such as the Alamo and the River Walk, sampled local barbecue, and visited the Hopscotch Museum.

“Roy’s national championship is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the opportunities FBLA provides students to apply their skills at the highest level,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “We are incredibly proud of Roy and deeply grateful to our FBLA adviser Tam Ly-Wong, whose commitment to student success continues to make a lasting impact on the El Monte Union community.”

 PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_FBLA FIRST PLACE_1: South El Monte High School senior Roy Tong smiles while holding his first-place trophy after winning the national championship in Computer Applications at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference, held June 29 through July 2 in San Antonio, Texas.

EMUHSD_FBLA FIRST PLACE_2: South El Monte High School senior Roy Tong walks across the stage after earning first place in Computer Applications at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference.

EMUHSD_FBLA FIRST PLACE_3: South El Monte High School Future Business Leaders of America adviser Tam Ly-Wong (left) celebrates with senior Roy Tong (right) after he earned first place in Computer Applications at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference.