Six students from the St. Regis Schools Business Professionals of America club just returned from a very successful and exciting six-day trip to Dallas for the 2022 National Leadership Conference. Each of the competitors that travelled to the Lone Star State made an impressive appearance as top ten qualifiers and represented the state of Montana well.

St. Regis BPA Advisor, Tina Hill exclaimed recapping the trip, “I believe one of the major highlights is that all six, St. Regis members in attendance made it on to the national stage as a finalist.” There were 51,00 people in attendance at the conference in Dallas. Their group was also able to take in seven of the area's top attractions and enjoy some incredible sightseeing along the way.

She continued, “I am incredibly happy for these members and their accomplishments. We have so many people to be thankful for. Our local businesses and citizens are some of the most generous people I've found. Our group was able to raise almost $10,000 between March and May to help fund this trip. Michelle Simkins went along as a guest and she is one of the best travel partners.”

Here is a summary of their results for each of the St. Regis student competitors. The Video Production Team comprised of sophomore, Jack Connolly, senior, Carter Jasper, junior, Macy Hill, and senior, Baylee Pruitt, took 6th place. In Advanced Interview Skills, Jack Connolly earned 4th in his section out of 9 and there were four different sections. For Presentation Management Individual, Macy Hill earned 6th in her section of eight, and there were four sections.

This was the first year that the St. Regis BPA chapter took middle school students to Nationals. And Hill said, “Junior High rocked it with the Intro to video productions, earning 4th overall!”

Eight grader, Shelby Simkin’s results were: 11th out of 32 in Financial Literacy, 68th out of 132 in Business Communication Skills Concepts, 35th out of 95 in Business Fundamentals Concepts,

11th out of 69 in Business Math Concepts, and 41st out of 95 in Computer Literacy Concepts.

Lilly Sansom, also an eighth grader took 2nd place out of 31 in Digital Citizenship, 86th out of 132 in Business Communication Skill Concepts, and 38th out of 95 in Business Fundamentals Concepts. Hill remarked, “Lilly showed true grit by knuckling down and is now Nationally Certified in Digital Citizenship!”

Carter Jasper, one of the graduating seniors this year truly enjoyed his final conference. He shared, “Nationals this year was so much better because not having it for two years made it feel a lot more special.” Carter has been a part of BPA since his freshman year. He has competed in Business Law & Ethics, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Video Production Team. He explained, “My team made it to Nationals in Video Production and placed 6th in the nation. Jack Connolly, Macy Hill, Baylee Pruitt, and myself.”

Each year Jasper has made it to national level. His freshman year he got to experience the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim California, his sophomore and junior year it was virtual because of the COVID pandemic, and his last BPA journey was to Texas. As Jasper looks ahead to graduation next week he affirmed, “BPA has taught me many skills. How to prepare, public speaking, and working as a team are all skills that I have because I was in BPA.”

As their BPA advisor and tour guide, Tina Hill expressed, “I am so happy for these competitors and can only imagine how this conference will propel them in their future. Our eyes were definitely opened to the diversity and depth of competition. We were able to overcome some obstacles and find the satisfaction of the results of our efforts. This group has some big plans for next year and as we wish our Seniors farewell, be on the lookout for those that remain to knock your socks off!

While in Texas this crew of St. Regis students and staff took advantage of all sorts of southern hospitality, and adventures in between their competitions. Like some true Texas BBQ at the Ferris Wheelers, experiencing the Fort Worth Stockyards including a cattle drive. They went to Billy Bob’s the World's largest Honky Tonk, and learned to line dance. Some members even got sworn in as Honorary Texans.

Then it was time for a real deal Texas Hoedown where they watched people ride mechanical bulls, and armadillo races. They toured the George W. Bush Presidential Library, Reunion Tower, Dallas World Aquarium, and the Holocaust Museum. After sampling some local fare like gator this group flew home to Montana exhausted and thankful to for the opportunity to compete and explore.