June 1, 2001

Iowa Lakes Students Excel Through Business Professionals of America

Iowa Lakes Community College students came home with several honors following the Business Professionals of America 34th National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in May.

Iowa Lakes Community College chapter members joined over 3,800 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national level business skill competitions, workshops, certification testing, general sessions, and the national officer candidate campaigns and elections.

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school and college students preparing for careers in business and office occupations. The organization’s activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry, and is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.

Michelle Hensing, a student in the Administrative Assistant program from Laurens, campaigned and was elected to the office of Vice-President of Public Relations. As a member of the national officer team, Michelle will play a role in planning next year’s national conference.

Eight BPA members of the Spencer Chapter were awarded the national Ambassador award for their leadership and participation in school, community, county and state activities as well as involvement in varied citizenship projects and promotion of their local club work.

The Spencer Chapter received the National Banner Award and the Quill Award. The National Quill Award is given to the Business Professionals of America Chapter that creates an attractive and informative vehicle to promote Business Professionals of America. This award was to recognize the Spencer Chapter’s newsletter. The National Banner Award is given to recognize a chapter’s outstanding activities and program of work in leadership, career development, civic and service activities, social activities as well as promotional activities.

RESULTS OF NATIONAL BPA COMPETITION

RECIPIENTS OF THE NATIONAL AMBASSADOR AWARDS

Trish Flaugh, Lynne Holstad, Kerry King, Jenny Kubat, Cindy Oviatt, Martha Tifft, Brenda Van Kley and Linda White.