On January 17, Business Professionals of America (BPA) held DFW’s Regional Competition. Over the weekend, Emerson High School’s BPA Finalists competed at the Regional Competition and over 18 students advanced to the State Conference in Corpus Christi.
Business Professionals of America is an organization dedicated to providing students with opportunities to practice leadership, business and technical skills, and public speaking.
“I studied two hours every day to make it to BPA State so I’m happy all my effort eventually paid off in the end,” Junior Lavanya Kumar said.
Through her event, Advanced Office Procedures, Kumar aims to improve her skills as an office secretary and enjoy her time at State with her friends.
However, some competitors didn’t qualify for State at the Regional Competition and were instead awarded the State Alternate position. Fortunately, the occasional competitors can get moved up to the State Competition if there’s a lack of competitors in their respective events. Although Ayaan Shaik’s Cybersecurity Team placed as a State Alternate at the Regional Competition, they were moved up to the State Conference just a week later.
“It was a relieving yet daunting experience getting moved up to State,” Shaik said. “We were given a second chance to prove ourselves but it also came with the responsibility of making the most of the opportunity.”
Other than academics, competitors are also looking forward to having fun. For Senior Shreyas Arige, he looks forward to spending quality time with his friends and enjoying hotel activities.
“I’m extremely excited to experience the hockey game and hang out in the hotel rooms with my friends,” Arige said. “Especially after college app season, BPA State would be much-needed fun.”
Although BPA members are excited for the State Conference, which takes place from February 28 – March 3, 2024, they are preparing for the next level of competition.
“Even though I’m a bit stressed about how State will go, I look forward to enjoying Corpus Christi with my friends. I’m especially thankful for the family that is BPA and grateful for all the opportunities,” Kumar said.
