Last weekend marked a defining moment for Plymouth High School’s Chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) as they traveled to Indianapolis for the State Leadership Conference (SLC).
This year’s theme, ‘A Year of Service,’ added additional meaning to the SLC. During the event, members from each region contributed by bringing in various items to create snack bags. These bags, totaling approximately 1,500, were then generously donated to Horizon House of Indianapolis, an organization dedicated to assisting the homeless.
In addition to participating in this service opportunity, students took part in their competitive events, took open events, attended leadership sessions and general sessions over the 2-1/2 days of the conference. The team walked away with many notable accomplishments.
Two outstanding Plymouth students will serve on the state officer leadership team for the 2024-25 term. Katie Phipps emerged victorious as 2024-25 Region 2 President, poised to lead with distinction, while Ana Slattery secured the role of 2024-25 Vice President of Member Activities, promising a year of dynamic engagement for BPA.
New member Calvin Cerrato left a lasting mark by claiming an impressive 3rd place in the state for his outstanding performance in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications. This debut success has granted him the honor of representing the chapter at the upcoming National Conference in Chicago this May.
Adding to the accolades, Katie Phipps showcased her expertise in Fundamental Desktop Publishing, securing an impressive 4th place in the state. Her achievement not only adds to the chapter’s glory but also propels her to compete at the esteemed National Conference alongside Calvin.
The accomplishments did not end there. The Financial Analyst Team, consisting of Coby Walters, Max Lewandowski, Caleb Bowling, and Blake Mackey, were 6th place finalists. Their dedication to excellence and teamwork was evident throughout the competition.
Furthermore, Alexius Borys made her mark in the fiercely competitive arena of C++ Programming, achieving the distinction of finalist and claiming the 7th position in the state. Her performance speaks volumes about the caliber of talent within Plymouth BPA.
Reflecting on the achievements, Shari Bloom, Business CTE Teacher, BPA Advisor, and member of the BPA Indiana Executive Board, expressed her pride in the team’s efforts. She stated, “I’m extremely proud of our team for the efforts they displayed! Having two students qualify for the national conference and two students that will be serving on the state officer team next year is a great honor! I’m so happy to be part of an organization that provides students with so many opportunities!”
These exceptional students have not only showcased their skills but have also embodied the spirit of leadership, camaraderie, and excellence that define Plymouth BPA and Plymouth Community School Corporation.
