Bay BPA student club medals at national competition

Courtesy photo
The Business Professionals of America student club from Bay College / LSSU Regional Center in Escanaba medaled at the National Competition that took place in Chicago. Shown are Griffin Johnson, left, and Tregan Lippens.

ESCANABA — The Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Chicago from May 10 – 13, and was attended by the Bay College / LSSU Regional Center BPA student club. Out of the club’s two student competitors, both medaled in their respective events.

Griffin Johnson, BPA club president, took first place in Ethics & Professionalism, second place in Prepared Speech, and third place in Contemporary Issues.

Tregan Lippens, BPA vice president, captured second place in Ethics & Professionalism and fourth place in Contemporary Issues.

This year at the NLC, there was a record crowd of over 6,500 contestants, including both high school and collegiate competitors.

“I’d like to thank all our sponsors that made this trip possible. Without your support, none of what we experienced would be possible,” said Johnson. “This year’s NLC was one of the best experiences of my life. From competing at the highest level, navigating rush hour traffic in Chicago, and getting the experience of travelling outside of the Upper Peninsula, it has truly furthered my educational experience and given me memories that will last a lifetime.”

Officially formed in 1966 as the Office Education Association (OEA), Business Professionals of America (BPA) has a strong history as a student organization that contributes to the preparation of global professionals through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills for students at the middle, secondary, and post-secondary levels.

For the past 50-years, BPA has worked to serve as an innovator in Career and Technical Education, providing its members with opportunities for growth through education, competition, community service and personal development.