This weekend, East looks to compete at state for Business Professionals of America (BPA). As the largest program at East, they are sending a record number of students to the state this year in a variety of events, including tests, group presentations, and individual speeches. If they rank at the top of their category, they will compete in May to contend for a National BPA title.
BPA State is the second level of this operation. Back in January, students competed at regionals at West Chicago High School. Although you may only see the result, these students have worked countless hours since September to ensure success. Memorizing lines, creating slideshows, and consistently practicing have paved the way for their current success.
BPA’s advisor, Stacy Sadjer Adams, has done an excellent job at ensuring her students are prepared for the next level of competition. She just doesn’t oversee the program, but is an essential aspect in students’ success.
“We watch over 50 presentations before they compete, and we have students coming in before and after school, prepping. We may also refer students to certain agencies to ensure they get the extra practice they may need,” Sadjer Adams said.
BPA Executive board members Vasu Chaganti and Shivani Mani feel BPA isn’t just about competing, but about connecting with peers for a weekend of fun.
“I really feel like we could feel the community. Last year at State, when one of the rooms flooded, we were all in the hallway playing cards, and it was really fun,” Mani said. “Last year at state, we got to get closer with a lot of people, whether it was watching a movie or doordashing food, it teaches you to get outside your comfort zone,” Chaganti said.
We had many students compete and succeed, such as those who succeeded in tests.
Senior Sammie Burk qualified for state by excelling in a test in the Health and Administration procedures category. She is a multi-time state qualifier, but it took a lot of preparation to get there.
“It’s a lot of studying and practice tests. You really need to know your content because it’s a waste of time trying to flip through tons of pages looking for an answer,” Burk said.
It’s no secret that everyone interviewed really took their preparation seriously. The work ethic of each state-level competitor is at an extremely high level. There is an even higher ethic required for those who place at the State, which Sadjer Adams can attest to.
“Our students who make it even further possess a level of professionalism that separates them from others. If their slideshow shuts off mid-presentation, they would still be able to present it flawlessly and leave a profound impact on the judges,” Sadjer Adams said.
The Wolves’ BPA contestants compete on Thursday and Friday, with a closing ceremony for results on Saturday. However, BPA isn’t just about winning. They are set up for a weekend of fun filled with bowling, karaoke and tons of games. Winners advance to Nationals in Nashville, TN.
Written by seniors Noah Snow and David Garcia. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.