With confidence sharpened by competition and ambitions extending beyond the classroom, members of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter are preparing to take their skills to the state level this March. After months of preparation and performance at the regional level, the chapter earned qualification for the BPA State Leadership Conference, where students will compete against peers from across Minnesota.
BPA is a national career and technical student organization that focuses on leadership, professionalism and workplace readiness. BPA provides students with opportunities to explore careers in business, marketing, finance and management through competitive events and leadership activities. Members spent weeks preparing for regional competitions by studying industry standards, practicing presentations and refining technical skills.
 “BPA is a club where high school students can learn skills that they will be able to use in the workplace. So they’re able to get a head start above other people.”, junior captain Riddhi Singvi said.
The chapter’s advancement to state reflects both individual achievement and collective effort. Students competed in a variety of events designed to mirror real-world business challenges, requiring critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Captains worked closely with members to ensure they understood expectations and could confidently apply their knowledge in high-pressure situations.
“I’m able to provide them with information about our competitions, about the events that they want to go into, about other factors, like preparing for their events.”, Singvi said.
Beyond competition, BPA emphasizes leadership development and personal growth. Members regularly participate in meetings, service projects and team-building activities throughout the school year. These experiences help students develop time-management skills while balancing academics, extracurricular activities and competition preparation. According to the chapter, the commitment required to succeed in BPA mirrors expectations students may face in future careers.
Qualifying for the State Leadership Conference is considered a major milestone for the program. The event offers students the chance to network with business professionals, attend leadership workshops and gain exposure to postsecondary and career opportunities. For many members, competing at state is both a reward for hard work and a stepping stone toward future goals.
 “I did first place in both my events, and hopefully I can do even better in state this year.”, senior member Max Malinsky said.
As March approaches, anticipation continues to build within the BPA chapter. Members are refining their skills, reviewing feedback from regional judges and setting personal and team goals for the state competition. Captains say the experience itself is just as valuable as the results, giving students confidence and real-world perspective.
Junior Captain Ahna Prigge comments that from the looks of it the results of state will reflect well on Stillwater and “hopefully coming along the state, and then we’d be going to nationals which is in the future”.
Regardless of final placements, the BPA chapter’s journey to state stands as a testament to dedication, teamwork and commitment to excellence. Representing their school at the state level highlights the impact of career and technical student organizations and emphasizes the value of preparing students for success beyond graduation.
