Two teams from the Nebraska Business Honors Academy showcased their leadership and problem-solving skills at the Washburn University Leadership Challenge Event, earning first and second place in the college division. Competing against 12 other teams, the Huskers reaffirmed their dominance at the annual competition in Topeka, Kansas, which Nebraska has attended since 2014.

The first place team included:

• Tenley Katt, senior finance and biochemistry major from Lincoln, Nebraska
• Annabelle King, freshman marketing major from Lakeville, Minnesota
• Dylan Kluthe, junior supply chain management major from Lincoln
• Sara Montalbano, junior marketing major from Kansas City, Kansas
• Lexi Soukup, senior accounting and finance major from Norwalk, Iowa
• Advisor: Bradley Sullivan, graduate assistant, M.S. in Business Analytics, Gretna, Nebraska

The second place team included:

• Preston Gordman, freshman finance major from Omaha
• Ike Mcley, senior finance major from Leawood, Kansas
• Olivia Palmer, senior management and marketing major from Omaha, Nebraska
• Reagan Pelster, freshman agribusiness major from Wallace, Nebraska
• Madeline Splichal, junior economics major from Lincoln

Unlike traditional case competitions, the Washburn Leadership Challenge Event is an interactive leadership simulation. Students are evaluated in real-time on their ability to navigate an immediate crisis or community challenge, making split-second decisions while demonstrating teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

This year’s challenge tasked teams with running a mayoral campaign for the fictional city of Metropolis. Each student assumed a specialized role, from director of field operations to political analyst, and developed a strategy to win over voters. Their campaigns culminated in a final debate round against other teams, with Nebraska’s first-place team defeating Creighton University in a Nebraska-versus-Nebraska school matchup.

“The Nebraska teams did so well because of our authenticity and strategic teamwork,” said Montalbano. “We immediately clicked, built trust and bonded. That connection made all the difference in our success.”

Beyond the competition, students gained valuable leadership experience. For Gordman, his first case competition proved to be a defining moment.

“I didn’t know most of my teammates before the event, but I felt an instant connection. It’s one of my favorite academy experiences so far,” he said. “It was also a great way to push me out of my comfort zone. Additionally, it is very cool to walk in the lounge and see the trophy shelf knowing I have an award up there that I worked hard for and will remain there for years to come.”

The teams were advised by Rebekah Neary-DeLaPorte, assistant director of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy, and Bradley Sullivan, a graduate assistant for the Honors Academy and student in the M.S. in Business Analytics program from Gretna, Nebraska. Montalbano said they played a crucial role in the teams’ success.

“Becka used her knowledge from coaching previous teams to help us understand how to navigate challenges and learn from each other successfully, and while he had never been to this event, Bradley was our team's rock," she said. "Whenever our team was stressed, we’d ask ourselves, ‘What would Bradley do?’ He transformed our competition experience.”

The Nebraska Business Honors Academy has a strong track record at the Washburn Leadership Challenge Event, previously winning first place in 2023, 2022 and 2016, as well as securing both first and second in 2019. According to Neary-DeLaPorte, case competitions like this are invaluable for academy students.

“This competition fosters teamwork, critical thinking and adaptability — key skills that set our students apart. They are all inquisitive, eager to learn and excited by new challenges,” she said. "Both of these teams were very well-rounded teams from various majors and academic years. In this competition, it is imperative that you are a strong communicator, analytical thinker and innovative, and the Nebraska teams demonstrated all of these attributes.”

Montalbano encouraged other students to put their skills to the test at case competitions.

“If you're feeling a bit nervous about doing a case competition, I totally get it, but I can't recommend it enough,” she said. “I was hesitant at first, too, but it was one of the top 10 experiences of my time at Nebraska. You'll have an incredible support system from the College of Business staff and a fantastic team by your side!”