Five students from Switzerland County High School and seven students from Switzerland County Middle School traveled to Dallas, Texas to participate in the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference. This conference is the culmination of  a school year’s worth of business education and workforce training.  BPA members earned their spot in Dallas by virtue of their outstanding performance at the State Leadership Conference held in Indianapolis in March.

While at the conference, students participated in their individual events:

High School:

Braydan Allen – Administrative Research Project

Preston Asher – Health Administration Procedures

Carly Bennett – Personal Financial Management

Ben Smith – Ambassador Torch Award and Open Events

Cooper Todd – Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications

Middle School:

Mallory Bear – Financial Literacy

Phoebe Gayle – Introduction to Video Production Team

Braylee Hankinson – Introduction to Video Production Team, Digital Citizenship

Casen Haskell – Extemporaneous Speech, Financial Literacy

Skyler King – Introduction to Video Production Team, Digital Citizenship

Brooklyn Osborne – Introduction to Video Production Team, Digital Citizenship

Baylee Romans – Prepared Speech, Digital Citizenship

These students competed against the best in the nation in these events and have put in countless hours practicing and preparing for their events. The middle school team of Phoebe Gayle, Skyler King, Brooklyn Osborn and Braylee Hankinson, who competed in “Introduction to Video Production” and “Prepared Speech” participant Baylee Romans placed in the top ten and were called onstage to receive medals. In addition to competing, the students also participated in the BPA Day of Service, the Walk for Special Olympics, and the BPA Special Event that was held for all of the students in attendance.

While in Dallas, the students were also able to partake in various tourist activities. Students visited the Grassy Knoll to see where former president John F. Kennedy was shot. While there, students toured the Sixth Floor Museum that tells about the assassication and legacy of President Kennedy. Students also traveled to Fort Worth, Texas to take in the sights of the Fort Worth Stockyards and to witness the cattle drive. Students were also able to have some fun at 6 Flags Over Texas and other smaller attractions.

Making it to the National Leadership Conference is a huge accomplishment and, possibly, a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students. The students would not have been able to attend the conference if it was not for the generosity of our amazing community. The students have been busy fundraising the past month with our cookout, strawberry lemonade shake-ups, Pacer apparel sales, and a 5k Fun/Run Walk, and a BBQ Raffle. We want to thank all participants that bought and donated to the BPA fundraisers along with our sponsors for the 5K.

Switzco Natural Gas

Nucor Steel Gallatin

Tri-Kappa

North American Stainless

State Farm Insurance – Jeni Scudder

Vevay Mercantile

Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home

Friendship State Bank

Eye Care Group

Switzerland County Tourism

Hummel Vevay Insurance

Arvin Sango, Inc

Homestead Realty

In addition to the fundraisers, the BPA would also like to give extra thanks the Vevay-Switzerland County Foundation for their grant to help fund the travel costs to Dallas and the Community Foundation of Switzerland County for their grant to help with the registration costs for the conference.