On December 17, West High and WCC BPA Chapters competed in the Northeast Iowa Regional Leadership Conference at Hawkeye Community College. With over 90 different events, the competition provided students with a clear understanding of what to expect at the State Leadership Conference held at the Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout the morning, students went to their designated competition rooms for each of their events. Once done with their chosen events, students were allowed to do their opens. Opens are optional tests that assess students’ knowledge in business, management, IT and other broader topics. Members can also receive awards if they score well on their open and events. During the Award Ceremony, Waterloo chapters were supremely proud of how many of their members had won their events. Every student cheered and showed Wahawk Spirit as names were being called. Their excitement and determination showed, with most Waterloo members having received an award.

This year marked Harrietta Menjay’s first term as West High’s BPA president. Her work with each member and her dedication to improving each event had a successful payoff. She went on to say how this year’s BPA chapter has grown since last year, with a lot of newcomers! Harrietta decided for her senior year to compete in Advanced Interview Skills and Individual Presentation. She later placed first in both of her events. The methods she recommended to other members included speaking with advisors and teachers, doing lots of research and overall knowing how to sell yourself to the judges. For interested students, Harrietta implores those who want to try something new to join and check it out! It’s a great opportunity to grow connections with other students nationwide.

Esma Krgo, first-year BPA member, had received many awards for both her openings and events that evening. She competed in Individual Economic Research and did a group presentation with fellow junior member, Jada Lloyd. Esma practiced reciting both her events at home due to the fact that both of them had a presentation element in them. Since Esma had taken the optional openings, she received four certificates just for her openings alone. All of her awards motivated her to work even harder at State. She would later say that BPA is an exciting and fun organization that has so much variety.

For interested students, BPA members implore those who want to try something new to join and check it out! It’s a great opportunity to grow connections with other students nationwide. Upperclassmen members note that they have made many friends in the state as well as outside the country. Additionally, BPA teaches new things you don’t normally learn in the classroom. The lessons members take from socials, services and conferences carry through their adulthood. With so many opportunities and events, there is something for everyone.