Sophomore Ryleigh Long from Cordell High School’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter will attend the 2023 BPA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, April 26–30. The conference will bring together an estimated six thousand delegates from across the country to vie for top honors in business and information technology skills competitions, attend leadership and professional development workshops, receive awards for community service activities and elect BPA’s 2023–2024 national student leadership team. “For students and chapter advisors attending the National Leadership Conference, the event is the culmination of a year’s work,” said Steven J. Mitchell, BPA’s executive director/CEO. “We can’t wait to celebrate these students for the energy they have devoted to advancing to nationals in competitive events, sharpening their leadership and career skills and contributing to community betterment through service initiatives.”
Ryleigh qualified to compete in the National Leadership Conference by placing first in the Prepared Speech event at the Oklahoma BPA State Leadership Conference held March 6-8 in Tulsa, OK. Local BPA Advisor Amanda Odom stated, “We are so proud of Ryleigh and the work she has done to realize this achievement. She is an excellent representative for Cordell High School, and the community as a whole. I am excited to see the benefits that she is able to bring home from this experience.” If any local businesses or individuals are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to support Ryleigh’s personal expenses while attending the National Leadership Conference, contact the Cordell High School BPA Advisor, Amanda Odom, aodom@cordell.k12.ok.us, 580-832-3420 Ext. 230.
The 2023 National Leadership Conference is presented by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery, and program management services. Conference attendees can obtain valuable industry certifications during the event. While in Anaheim, participants will also have opportunities to network with other BPA members and business leaders, visit famous Southern California attractions and participate in community service activities. The conference’s opening session on April 26 and awards ceremonies on April 28 and 29 will be streamed live online at www.thinkcybis.com/ bpa-live/.
About Business Professionals of America Business Professionals of America (BPA) is the premier Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for middle, high school and college/university students preparing for careers in business and information technology. BPA provides opportunities for growth through education, competitive events, leadership development and community service. The organization has more than 46,000 members in schools in the United States and China. Learn more at www.bpa. org.