Knox County Career Center (KCCC) announced that 14 students qualified for nationals after competing in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State competition in Columbus, Ohio, on March 10 and 11. The announcement was made in a press release on March 14.
According to KCCC, the students qualified for the BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, from May 7-11, after excelling in the highly competitive state competition. Among them, Ethan Kapper placed first in Server Administration Using Microsoft, Aiden Colgan took second in Linux Operating System Fundamentals, and Laura Page secured second in Economic Research Individual. Other high-ranking students earned awards in categories such as network design, financial analysis, business law, and health administration procedures.
Nine additional KCCC students placed in the BPA State Top 10 but did not qualify for nationals. These students competed in events like Small Business Management Team, Banking & Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Visual Design Team. Their participation in rigorous competitions not only enhances their knowledge but also strengthens their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills, essential for future success, according to KCCC.
BPA is a career technical student organization that prepares students for leadership and professional success in business-related fields. It offers competitions in finance, business administration, digital communications, marketing, and health administration. Through BPA, students gain hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and career development skills, fostering professionalism, teamwork, and civic engagement. By participating in these activities, students refine their communication skills, develop strong leadership qualities, and build confidence, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers in business, technology, and more, according to its website.
Knox County Career Center offers a variety of career-focused programs at the high school level and the Knox Technical Center. Located at 306 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio, the center provides career services and financial aid designed to prepare students for successful careers.
