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WASHINGTON — Members of the Business Professionals of America chapter at Washington High School competed in Orlando, Florida earlier this month, with 15 students among the thousands of attendees to the organization’s national leadership conference.

The students faced off with peers from across the nation and globe, in a variety of “Workplace Skill Assessment Program” tests covering areas from digital communication to graphic design to marketing and communication.

“Business Professionals of America gives our students an incredible opportunity to grow as leaders, collaborate with peers, and apply real world business skills in meaningful ways,” said Shelly Duwa, Washington’s business teacher and BPA chapter advisor, in a press release about the trip. “It’s inspiring to watch them gain confidence and discover their potential through BPA.”

Students said they appreciated the experience tremendously.

For Josh Anderson, a Washington student who competed in “advanced” and “fundamental desktop publishing,” the convention offered a chance to see how his skills stacked up with those of his peers.

Members of the Washington BPA chapter said they enjoyed their competitions in Orlando, while also finding time to make the most of the area's local attractions and food. (Photo submitted)

Members of the Washington BPA chapter said they enjoyed their competitions in Orlando, while also finding time to make the most of the area’s local attractions and food. (Photo submitted)

“I can see what other people’s skill levels are, how creative they are with their graphic design,” he said. “It just encourages me to be better.”

For Chapter Reporter Brittany Madrigal, a junior at WHS, said the activity gave her a chance to not only develop professional skills, but to explore her interest in a variety of career fields.

“Something that you did for a competition could maybe grow, into something bigger that you do in the future,” she said. “I did an entrepreneurship competition at (the state convention) … that kind of made me want to go into finance, to help others that might not have enough resources.”

Students made the May 7-11 trip only if they qualified at the state-level convention in the spring. Washington’s roster included the following, according a press release it provided:

  • Ellie Farmer: Integrated Office Applications, Administrative Support Team
  • Carys Miller: Administrative Support Team
  • Grant Whisler: Advanced Desktop Publishing, Administrative Support Team
  • Brittany Madrigal: Administrative Support Team
  • Josh Anderson: Advanced Desktop Publishing, Fundamental Desktop Publishing
  • Carson Brown: Administrative Support Team
  • Jax Whisler: Advanced Desktop Publishing
  • Johan Recendez: Advanced Desktop Publishing
  • Nelly Martinez: Health Administration Procedures, Health Insurance & Billing
  • Ella Greiner: Intermediate Word Processing, Administrative Support Team
  • Ruby Witthoft: Administrative Support Team, Fundamental Desktop Publishing
  • Ruby Brown: Health Administration Procedures
  • Rayden Faulkner: Administrative Support Team
  • Sophie Robinson: Leadership Academy/Open Events
  • Claire Robinson: Leadership Academy/Open Events

On top of the competitions, convention-goers had a chance to attend a handful of business panels, and network with one another at the event. Attendees from Washington said they enjoyed swapping collectible pins between their tests, on top of fun events at their hotel, including a silent disco.

The social dynamic is another major draw for members of Washington’s chapter, including freshman Jax Whisler, who joined this school year.

“I kind of just wanted to put myself out there,” Whisler said, when asked what drew him to join BPA. “I’ve never really done anything like that as a part of school.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com



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