BPA advances to State

Eleven students advanced to State this year for the annual Business Professionals of America (BPA) competition in Dallas.

“BPA is an organization on campus that helps students gain experience in multiple competitions,” sponsor James Hood said. “Our region is one of the most competitive in Texas, advancing is great for us.”

Junior Bianka Rodriguez is one of the 11 members who will compete later in March at the State competition.

“I placed first in Personal Financial Management, which meant I automatically advanced to State,” Rodriguez said. “BPA has definitely made me work harder and built confidence as well as leadership.”

Along with the other members that automatically advanced, seven others, including junior Kyle Sproul, earned spots as State alternates, where they’ll be given the chance to compete as well if other regions don’t send enough competitors.

“I made it to the finals in my competition,” Sproul said. “I placed fourth, which didn’t automatically advance me.”

 There are over 50 events that students are able to compete in, all dealing with possible future careers ranging from entrepreneurship to medical practices.

“I compete in the Graphic Design Promotion,” Sproul said. “My event is different where you have to be pre-submitted. You need to practice both your speech and presentation.”

Junior Gissella Martinez, who placed first in Office Systems and Procedures and Advance, believes that the skills carry over to life outside of BPA competitions.

“I would say BPA has had a huge effect on my future,” Martinez said. “It has given me confidence in myself and has taught me how to manage my time effectively.”

BPA meets regularly during lunch to practice their events and has monthly meetings to practice their specific events.

“BPA is a great experience,” Martinez said. “It’ll help me with my confidence over the years and will be something I remember for the rest of my life.

BPA is sponsored by Mr. James Hood.