NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Students returned from another successful  Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) held in Orlando, Florida, May 7-11.

 

Business Professionals of America is the nation's leading CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, finance, accounting, office administration, and other business-related career fields, according to a press release. 

 

The conference brought together approximately six thousand members from 1,800 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an international presence in China, Haiti and Peru to compete and attend leadership and professional development workshops.

 

The Business Technology students from the McCann BPA chapter who attended the conference were: Caleb Denette, senior; Abigail Anderson, junior; Ella Gaffey, junior; Kylee Hubby, junior; Kamilia Kondel, junior; and Danielle King, sophomore.

 

Abigail Anderson and Ella Gaffey placed 1st and 2nd in Interviewing Skills and Kamila Kondel placed 7th in Fundamental Spreadsheets.  

 

Other events McCann students competed in were Advanced Spreadsheets, Legal Office Procedures, and the school had two Administrative Support Teams qualify for nationals.

 

"I was so shocked and nervous and happy all at once," said Abigail Anderson of placing first on the national stage, "All the preparation and hard work paid off."

 

Massachusetts chapters represented the state well at the conference.  Four individual teams won first place in their respective events while an additional 10 teams/individuals placed 2nd and 3rd.  Overall, Massachusetts had a representation on the national stage 56 times. 

 

In addition to competitive events, Andrea (Leal) Sutherland, Massachusetts BPA State Office Coordinator (and McCann Business Technology alum) became a National Hall of Fame Honoree for her continuous commitment to BPA and local advisors Rebecca Buck and Regina Dastoli-Fierro were honored for 20 years of service with the organization.