Oklahoma BPA chapters and students dominated the 2024 National Leadership Conference (NLC), held May 8-14 in Chicago, Illinois. Over 6,700 BPA members from across the nation competed, with Oklahoma sending a strong delegation of 380 students representing 69 impressive chapters.

A Showcase of Excellence

Oklahoma students displayed exceptional skills across all levels, achieving remarkable results:

• Middle Level: Secured 2 finalist positions and brought home 2 national championships.
• Secondary Level: Earned 6 finalist spots, converting 5 into national titles and 1 into a second-place finish.
• Post-Secondary Level: Captured a staggering 60 finalist positions, translating into 27 national championships, 19 second-place finishes, and 14 third-place finishes.
• National Virtual Event Showcase: The Francis Tuttle Technology Center – Deer Creek High School team reached the finals, showcasing Oklahoma’s innovative spirit.

Celebrating Dedication

The conference also recognized outstanding advisors who have dedicated years to shaping future business leaders:

• Susanne Silk (Western Technology Center, Sayre) was honored for a remarkable 25 years of service.
• Five advisors: Recognized for 20 years of dedication.
• Seven advisors: Celebrated for 15 years of service.
• Eight advisors: Applauded for 10 years of service.
• Seventeen advisors: Acknowledged for 5 years of service.

Industry-Ready Skills

Oklahoma BPA students further solidified their career readiness:

• 149 students tested for industry certifications, with 95 successfully passing in industry tests sponsored by Certiport, TestOut, and YouScience.

Recognizing Changemakers

This year  27 Oklahoma students received the prestigious Ambassador Torch award, highlighting their exceptional community service and advocacy within BPA.

BPA Cares Awards Sweep

Oklahoma chapters demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back, garnering a remarkable 30 BPA Cares Awards across various categories.

Twenty-two Oklahoma chapters earned the esteemed National BPA Quality Chapter of Distinction Award.

Oklahoma retained the traveling Post Secondary Professional Cup for the third consecutive year, a testament to consistent excellence.

Oklahoma Takes Center Stage

Several Oklahoma representatives shone brightly:

• Makayla Adams (Cashion High School): Proudly represented Oklahoma during the parade of associations.
• National Officer Elections: Makayla Adams (Cashion High School) was elected as National Parliamentarian and Thomas Branson (Cashion High School) secured the National Treasurer position.

BPA Leadership

Oklahoma made significant contributions to National BPA leadership:

• Athena Frank (retired from Central Technology Center Drumright): Elected to a three-year term on the National Board of Trustees and will serve as the board treasurer.

• Amy McClure (Northwest Technology Center Fairview): Elected to a three-year term on the National BPA Board of Trustees.
• Mark Burch, Oklahoma BPA State Advisor, completed her term on the National Board of Trustees and two years as National Board Chair, and will continue serving on the board as Past Board Chair for the 2024-2025 year.

This remarkable showing at the NLC exemplifies the exceptional talent and dedication of Oklahoma BPA students, advisors, and chapters. Their achievements demonstrate a commitment to excellence in business education, leadership development, and creating positive change in their communities.