Why We Are Here

BPA Students to Compete at Nationals

Four JVS students will be competing at the "Blazing New Trails" National Leadership Conference of Business Professionals of America (BPA) on June 17-21 in Dallas, Texas. Kristina Diehl, Ethan Langhorst, William Sniffen and Andrew Spurgeon earned this opportunity by placing in one of the top spots at the state competition in March.

Kristina Diehl is an Administrative Office Technology I student and is the daughter of Jeanette and Mark Diehl of Sidney. She serves as treasurer of her class. Diehl has been recognized for perfect attendance, and being on the honor roll. She was also selected as student of the month and student of the quarter at the JVS. She placed 1st in Basic Office Systems and Procedures at the BPA Region and State competitions. At Houston High School, she is an FCCLA member and a member of the yearbook staff. Diehl works with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, is actively involved in church activities and enjoys reading. She plans to attend University of Northwestern in Lima after graduation.

Drew Spurgeon, William Sniffen and Ethan Langhorst are enrolled in the Computer Information Systems program at Sidney High School. They also earned the opportunity to compete in Dallas.

Spurgeon is a junior and the son of Kirk Spurgeon and Lisa Spurgeon. He placed 3rd at Region and placed 2nd at State BPA competition in Java Programming. He enjoys computer programming and learning C#. His future plans include pursuing a degree in computer programming.

Langhorst is a junior and the son of Rick and Claudia Langhorst. He placed 2nd at Region and placed 4th at State BPA competition in C++ Progamming. Sniffen plays basketball for Sidney and enjoys working and being with friends and family. He plans to attend Edison Community College for two years then pursue a career in the computer science field while continuing his education.

These four students will join over 6,000 conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national-level business skill competitions, workshops, general sessions and the national officer candidate campaigns and elections. Besides having the opportunity to excel, they’ll experience a taste of Dallas as they visit exciting sites.

The conference will be the culmination of a school year’s worth of business workforce education and training which members of the local chapters of Business Professionals of America at their respective schools have received.

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. The organization’s activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry. BPA is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills. Business Professionals of America is assisted in this endeavor with financial support from corporations and companies including Shell, and South-Western/Cengage who sponsor BPA’s National Leadership Conference, and member career building programs and scholarships.

Shellie Gyetvai of Troy and Joe Spangler of Sidney will accompany these students to Dallas and serve as BPA advisors for these JVS programs.