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Mention the word BPA and most students have a vague idea of what it stands for, but for some FHS students, BPA — or Business Professionals of America — is more than just a name. BPA is a place where students can enhance their business skills and make new friends in the process.
“BPA teaches students business skills now,” said adviser Cindy Jones, “so they can have a head start later on.”
BPA students competed on Jan. 6 at a regional competition at FVCC and picked up various awards from first to fourth places. With these high scores they were able to qualify each member for the state competition in Billings in March.
“I think that I did pretty well, but the competition was long,” said sophomore Dustin Kopchinsky. “Hopefully I will do pretty good at state.”
This club has enabled 26 students to get a hands-on experience in business by competing in areas such as spreadsheet applications, medical concepts, verbal communications and financial assistance.
“BPA is a preparation for entering into business,” said junior vice president Amber Richards. “It helps you familiarize yourself with computers and new technology.”
BPA not only shows students a new realm of business but it also allows them to meet new people at the competitions.
“BPA is a fun way to educate yourself, learn about the concepts and the effect of business,” said sophomore John Michael Myers. “You also get to meet different people and learn new things from them.”
Students who are deciding to go into the business field have found that BPA is a good preparation for their future aspirations.
“Besides getting out of school, accounting will help me prepare for the future,” said junior Ben Johnson. “I plan on double majoring in accounting so I can save money on taxes and keep my own records.”
As these students learn more about business they also realize that money is a big part of their curriculum. In order to go to state and nationals, they do annual fund-raisers like the Data Match and sell carnations on Valentine’s Day.
“I think that fund-raisers gets you to work together as a team,” said president Terri Weyrauch, “which is an important aspect in the business world.”
With their new skills BPA students can now look towards the future of the business profession, whether they are plan to go into a business career or just use the skills every day.
“BPA teaches students business skills that they can use in various aspects of life,” said Jones. “Not just in employment, but in everyday life.”
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