Business Professionals of America attended the Regional Leadership Conference at Reedy High School Jan. 19.

Out of 25 regional schools, BPA placed fifth after 20 students participated. They came home with 12 awards.

“These students work hard day and night,” BPA sponsor Mr. James Hood said. “I’m looking forward to the next competition with high expectations.”

Students are given two months of prep time before the competition for each event.

“It can get time-consuming because it’s always a lot of studying and taking practice tests,” senior Layne Parrish said. “At state you could go up against between 30 and even 150 different people.”

In BPA, students gain professional experience, leadership and technological skills for future careers.

“If you are interested in finance, marketing or business, join BPA,” president of BPA junior Jason Chu said. “You will meet many new people along the way and gain wonderful friendships.”

The next BPA event is in Dallas for the state leadership conference March 6-9.

“I’ve met a lot of new people and made a ton of friends at the competition,” Chu said, “that has truly defined my experience.”

Interested in BPA? Go see Mr. James Hood in room 117.

BPA Regional Leadership Conference results:

Phillip Mai (11): 1st place Fundamental Accounting

Layne Parrish (12): 1st place Network Administration Using Microsoft

Charles Tucker (12) and Ethan Umanos (12): 1st place Computer Animation Team

Jason Chu (11): 2nd place Advanced Accounting

Ashley Anderson (11): 2nd place Payroll Accounting

Charles Tucker (12): 2nd place Computer Modeling

George Moslener (12): 3rd place Advanced Interview Skills

Gabriel Moreno (12): 3rd place Integrated Office Applications

Jarrod Rogers (11): 3rd place Computer Security

Cody Hogan (12): 4th place Advanced Office Systems & Procedures

Huong Huynh (11): 4th place ICD-10-CM Diagnostic Coding-Pilot

Kennedy Walters (11): 6th place Human Resource Management