Indian River business students compete at state leadership conference
A group of 29 future leaders from Indian River High School’s Business Professionals of America chapter competed at the state leadership conference held Feb. 26 in Dover. IRHS students vied with students statewide in event categories that included Video Production, Advanced Accounting, Payroll Accounting, Business Law & Ethics, and Extemporaneous Speech, among others. Only the top few would advance to the BPA National Leadership Conference set for Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 5, in Anaheim, Calif.
A total of 10 Indian River High School students brought home trophies in eight separate team and individual events. Each earned a place in the State of Delaware delegation to the national conference. These students were: Josue Lopez, Jabes Lopez, Kayla Harant and Dane Shuart, first place – Video Production Team; Gavin Clattenburg, first place – Extemporaneous Speech; Brooke Weaver, first place - Legal Office Procedures; Morgan Bomhardt, second place - Legal Office Procedures; Kate Timmons, second place – Medical Office Procedures; Sarah Roehl, fourth place – Advanced Accounting, fourth place – Business Law & Ethics, and fifth place – Payroll Accounting.
IRHS students were also recognized for their service to the community through BPA’s prestigious Torch Awards program, which provides structure and guidance to BPA members as they develop their leadership and networking skills through service to their chapter and the community. Students completed activities in the seven torch categories of Leadership, Service, Cooperation, Knowledge, Friendship, Patriotism, and Love, Hope, Faith.
Students earning recognition in the Torch Awards program at the Diplomat Level were Alexa Fitz, Kate Timmons and Colby Willey. Earning recognition at the Statesman Level were Isaac Chandler, Misty Hickman, Luke Morgan and Brooke Weaver.
When not competing, IRHS students forged new friendships and established new networks while developing their leadership and business skills. Students attended a variety of workshops and seminars including Dress for Success, Behind the Scenes Tour of Dover Downs, Introduction to AI and Machine Learning, the Power of Perception, and Foundations of Investing.
Cyber experts from JP Morgan Chase educated students in safe and secure online behaviors during the Cyberkidz workshop. Students created personal messages for pediatric patients at A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital/Nemours Cardiology during the Hearts for Nemours Cardiology workshop.
Chapter officers Luke Morgan, Brooke Weaver and Morgan Bomhardt also cast votes for the 2019-20 BPA State Officer Leadership Team.
