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Twin Bridges BPA members at the California conference.

Twin BPA members attend national leadership conference

TWIN BRIDGES – Ten members of the Twin Bridges Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter attended the 2019 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. The theme of the conference was “Together We Create.” 

More than 6,300 individuals from 23 state BPAs attended the conference, their mission: empower student leaders to discover their passion and change the world by creating unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth and service.

Student members representing Twin Bridges at Nationals were:

• Ayden Anderson - Advanced Interview, Economic Research Team, Ambassador Torch Recipient, Nationally Certified Student Member

• Avery George - Digital Media Production

• Kenna Millhouse - Administrative Research Writing

• Anna Kaiser - Economic Research Team

• Jovi Rosselott - Ambassador Torch Recipient

• Taryn Johnson - Ambassador Torch Recipient

• Daniel Kruer - Ambassador Torch Recipient

• Axton Anderson - Ambassador Torch Recipient and Leadership University Attendee

• Rob Dale - Montana State BPA Officer Team, voting delegate, Leadership University Attendee. Advisor

• Mrs. Jody Sandru-National Certified Advisor Award. 

The Twin Bridges BPA Chapter was awarded the prestigious Chapter of Excellence National Award and the State’s revered Outstanding Chapter Trophy for 2019.

Avery George medaled in Digital Media Production, placing 8th at Nationals. Her project was explaining the BPA Cares Program in an energetic video. Attending her second NLC George commented, “This is my third year in BPA, and every year I have had to raise the bar in my project. I improved my place at Nationals and cannot wait to see what next year brings. 2020, Woo Hoo! ” 

Ayden Anderson medaled in Advanced Interview Skills placing 10th overall.

“Having two medalists from a high school with 73 students is an enormous honor,” said Sandru. “The competition is fierce, and I am so proud of both Ayden and Avery for all the steps they took to reach the final stage at Nationals.” 

Anderson and Anna Kaiser placed 19th in Economic Research Team. Kenna Millhouse placed 30th in Administrative Research Writing.

Axton Anderson and Rob Dale attended eight hours of intensive leadership training while at NLC.  You can always learn more about leadership,” Dale said, “and there are many types of leaders. You can fill more than one category, but to lead you must empathize.” Anderson and Dale will use this valuable training as members of our BPA officer team during the 2019-2020 school year.  

One of the cornerstone programs in BPA is the Torch Program. 

Nine categories comprise the Torch Program:  Leadership, Knowledge, Love, Hope, Faith, Cooperation, Service, Patriotism, and Friendship. Members complete activities in each category and build online resumes. When students reach 70 points in each category, he/she is awarded the Ambassador Torch Award, the highest Torch award possible. 

This year five of our members achieved the Ambassador Torch Award. Sandru said.  “Receiving the Ambassador Torch Award attests to their involvement in our BPA Chapter, our school, and our community,” she continued. 

The Twin Bridges Chapter just completed its sixth year, Sandru noted. 

“BPA has enriched classroom learning by providing competition at three different levels:  region, state, and national. It shows that rural schools can compete with the urban/large schools.”

“Even though we have only been a chapter for a short time we are proud to have a national champion and seven top ten finishers in the last five years. This is extremely challenging and we have put Twin Bridges on the map.” 

BPA is providing members with opportunities for growth through education, competition, community service, and personal development.  Learning “soft” skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving, and time management will set these students apart to be game changers.

 “Another great accomplishment in our six years is that Twin Bridges has had five state officers,” Sandru noted. “Being a part of a team with diverse members from every corner of our state provides valuable communication and leadership skills that will propel them in their futures.” 

Rob Dale is current vice president for the Montana BPA 2019-2020 state officer team. 

BPA offers opportunities to travel, and during the past six years Sandru has taken students on their first flights. 

Traveling to the National Leadership Conference exposes students to a wide range of perspectives, gives them confidence in meeting new friends, and opens their minds to a world of opportunities.  Twin Bridges BPA is already excited for 2020 Nationals being held in our Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C.

 “I believe that we need creative thinkers and problem-solvers,” Sandru concluded. “BPA provides the platform to develop these skills through projects, competitive events, and goal setting. BPA is an amazing opportunity for students at Twin Bridges High School. We look forward to another great year when school begins in August 2019!”

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