NIC students earn top honors at BPA competition
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 13 years, 11 months AGO
<p>North Idaho College students recently placed at the Business Professionals of America national conference. Pictured are (front) Melanie Orr, Colleen Orr, Taylar McClure, (back) Keifer Hofacker, Ashley Chaffin, Danielle Lockwood, Cindy Kuhn and Victoria Day.</p>
Eight North Idaho College student members of Business Professionals of America attended the annual National Leadership Conference, "Stand Out from the Crowd," in Washington, D.C., May 4-8.
NIC BPA's chapter members joined students from across the nation to participate in national-level business skill competitions, workshops and sessions.
More than 50 competitive events were offered in four categories, including Financial Services, Administrative Support, Information Technology and Management/Marketing/Human Resources.
"NIC students competed with students from colleges and universities from across the United States," said Kathie O'Brien, NIC BPA adviser and Computer Applications and Office Technology instructor. "The quality of the education they receive at NIC is demonstrated by students' success at this national event."
Cindy Kuhn of Spirit Lake was named Postsecondary Ambassador of the Year, received a $1,000 scholarship and placed third in Advanced Interview Skills.
Melanie Orr of Coeur d'Alene received a $700 scholarship and placed third in Integrated Office Applications.
Keifer Hofacker of Coeur d'Alene placed third in Computer Security, was in the top 10 for Network Administration and was named National Merit Scholar.
Ashley Chaffin of Coeur d'Alene was in the top 10 for Graphic Design. Hofacker and Chaffin placed third in Web Site Design Team.
Taylar McClure of Coeur d'Alene and Danielle Lockwood of Sandpoint placed third in Video Production Team. Kuhn, Lockwood, McClure and Orr were honored at a special reception for those students receiving the Ambassador Torch Award for the highest level of service and dedication.
Victoria Day of Coeur d'Alene was selected to represent Idaho students in a special meeting with the Undersecretary of Education.
Colleen Orr of Coeur d'Alene served as a National Leadership Conference intern.
BPA Adviser O'Brien was awarded Associated Students of NIC Adviser of the Year for her efforts with BPA.
BPA is a national organization for high school, college and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology occupations.
