Three Valley County Students Represent At BPA Nationals

It was another stellar year for Montana at the 2023 National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference which was held in Anaheim, Calif., on April 25-30. A total of 6,503 individuals from 23 state association and three international countries attended. The Montana's delegation represented 62 secondary chapters, 11 middle level chapters and one collegiate chapter. Included in those numbers are three Valley County students, Glasgow High School's Daniel Berry, and Opheim School's John Yeska and Aliah Batalla.

Berry competed in 310 Server Administration Using Microsoft and was the only Glasgow student that attended. "Due to weather, half of our Glasgow High School team did not get to perform their competitions at State. We were a day and a half late to State," explained advisor Jill Page. Though he was the lone competitor from Glasgow, Page stated he was able to have fun, was up to the challenge, and represented Glasgow well.

"I was very excited to place to make it to Nationals, said Berry, "It was tough competition and I was a little disappointed that I did not place at Nationals but looking forward to next year. I really enjoyed the trip and my favorite spot in Anaheim, CA would have to be Santa Monica Pier. Overall, it was an awesome experience and I hope to repeat my performance and head to Chicago next year. Business Professionals of America is a great club and a chance to dress professional and compete at all levels (regionals, state & nationals). Thanks for everyones support."

Yeska competed in Financial Literacy and Batalla competed in two events, C# Programming and Health Insurance and Medical Billing. Both students had a great time seeing the sights, stating their favorite part was the rides at Knott's Berry Farm. Yeska also really enjoyed the airplane ride "even though the 2:30 a.m. ready to go time was WAY too early!," he stated.

Batalla enjoyed the competition in her events, feeling confident with the Health Insurance and Billings test but admitted "the other event did not go as well." Going to a bigger city was certainly a new experience that allowed them to get out of their comfort zones. "The experience benefited me in that I had to talk to more people and be more comfortable in talking to strangers," said Batalla, while Yeska realized how different the lifestyle was there, including how they dressed and the overall environment with palm trees and emerald green grass. "It was great to come back to the snow having melted too!," said Yeska. Advisor Becky Rogenes reflected upon the experience stating "I think it benefited the kids in that they got to see the world outside of Opheim and compete against the best of the best."

Business Professionals of America is the leading career and technical student organization for students pursing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, health administration and other related career fields. Students and advisors were also provided the opportunity to receive national certification through Certiport and/or Precision Exams.

Members attended leadership training workshops, participated in service-learning activities, volunteered and served as interns and competed in the Workplace Skills Assessment Program.