St. Louis High School’s chapter of Business Professionals of America participated in the regional competition at Central Michigan University Saturday, Jan. 8. 

This is the first time in two years that the team has been able to compete in an in-person regional conference. The hopes of the past regional conferences were foiled by Covid-19, and instead of the traditional conference, the team participated in a virtual regional last year. However, the experience was not the same. As BPA Advisor, Mrs. Biehl further emphasized, “We get a lot more out of it (because) we have to work through the problems at the regional conference.”

Overall, the chapter performed very well, especially for having so many first-year contestants. Medallists on the night included: Alex Baxter, Aaron Bowerman, Marlena Pestrue, Jenna Abell, Curtis Brashaw, Kaylyn Collins, Jaiden Dickman, Dominic Girard, Delaney Hitsman, Natalie Hoyt, Payton Kuhn, Lucee Mikek, Gracie Shattuck, and Lillianne Shattuck. Those who didn’t medal, but will be moving on to the State conference include: Kiernan Hougaboom, Briana Howard, Balin Kolhoff, Nate March, Ben March, Jaiden Dickman, Allison Onstott. Receiving a Torch Award was Aaron Bowerman.

Interestingly enough, only one person out of the 21 people going has ever been to the in-person state conference. As Mrs. Reeves explains, “The State conference is such a great experience. We are also excited that state and national competition is planned for in-person competition this year as well.”  This State experience is what truly drives many people to join BPA. The next competition will be the state conference which will take place in Grand Rapids, March 10-13th.