After placing fifth out of 25 schools in the region, BPA students traveled to Dallas for the State Leadership Conference March 6-9.  

In the past one or two students advanced to a national level; this year the team sent four after competing in Dallas. Senior Layne Parrish, junior Jason Chu, Jaron Harberson and Phillip Mai were invited to nationals in California. The four will also get to enjoy Walt Disneyland resort. This is not the first time Parrish has made it to Nationals. .

“Making Nationals always makes me feel anxious because it always means I have a ton of studying ahead but at the same time excited because it’s symbolic of the work I’ve put in for several years to come this far,” senior Layne Parrish said.

Junior Hough Huynh also left a mark, making it to the stage in her competition. Hough placed seventh out of the 8 who make it on stage and also earned 2nd place in open exhibition.  

“Open competition is one of the most challenging,” Junior Kennedy Walters said. “The judges test on your knowledge in HR management, coding and other parts of business.  Hough placing 2nd is a major win for us all.”

When students were not competing, they took part in fun activities and interned to help judges.

“We have this tradition were we go to Wal-Mart and stock up on food,” Walters said.  “There was a pool, lots of food, card games so we had our fun.”

The business professionals enjoyed a dinner celebration at Hard Rock Cafe after awards Saturday.  Next year Nationals will take place in Washington DC and students hope to break the record again.

“I look forward to being able to travel to California and compete alongside friends and other students who’ve worked just as hard as me to get there,” Parrish said.