A cash prize of $100 will be awarded to the student member creating the winning design!

Contest Guidelines

• Must be an active BPA member in a chapter that is attending FLC (someone should be at FLC to accept any possible awards)
• Each chapter may submit a maximum of two entries per division (M/L, Secondary, Post-Secondary)
• The students must create an original design. Entries with copyrighted images such as logos, sports mascots, etc., will not be accepted
• Designs must be submitted in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format
• Only digital entries will be accepted (no hand drawings or sketches or templates found on sites such as Canva)
• Designs can be reflective of Oklahoma and / or include the National Leadership Conference theme
• Be sure the design is simple and clear, as it will be reduced to 3/4” – 1” in size
• You may use a maximum of 4 colors (white counts as one of the four colors)
• Each entry must include an artist statement describing the trading pin design, the inspiration behind it, and how it was created. 200 words or less submitted at the time that the trading pin is submitted.

Designs must be submitted via email to Mark Burch by September 18, 2024.

Looking for inspiration? Check out the OK BPA online store to see our past trading pin designs!

Please have conversations with your students about appropriate dress and screen students before leaving for conference. The best way to prevent dress code issues is to know the dress code policy, have conversations about the dress code, and have a dress code check prior to the conference. Remember, you and your students are representatives of the school, community, BPA, DECA, and CareerTech.

Dress code for Fall Leadership Conference is as follows:

Casual slacks (e.g. Dockers), blouse or shirt and casual shoes.

• Jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes are allowable.
• Shorts at or below the knee are acceptable.

Students may participate in team-building activities and appropriate clothing should be considered.

UNACCEPTABLE DURING CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES

• Skin-tight or revealing clothing
• Mini-skirts, or skirts and dresses which are of an inappropriate length
• Midriff-baring clothing
• Clothing with printing that is suggestive, obscene or promotions illegal substances
• Sleeveless or see through clothing
• Low cut shirts or shirts with the sides cut or ripped
• Loose fitting or baggy pants, pants must be at waist level
• Swimwear
• Sleepwear
• Combat boots

This resource will be uploaded no later than September 1st and will be launched at the August 30th advisor training.

Advisor: Meredith Simmerly

Why did you join BPA? 

At Northeast Tech, you automatically become a member when you’re a part of a business class. I decided to be as involved as I could be because BPA was everything I was searching for. I saw BPA as the perfect fit for me from the first day my advisor talked to us about it. I saw a way to really challenge myself to experience new things, and explore new opportunities. 

Why did you run for state office?

It’s actually a funny story. One day while I was sitting in class I overheard Dylan talking to our advisor about the application process. When I asked what they were talking about, I told Dylan I thought he’d be perfect for it. In return, he told me that he would run if I did, so I decided to explore that opportunity. I absolutely could not be more grateful. 

What has been your favorite BPA memory so far?

So far, my favorite BPA memory has to be CTU. I felt that the team bonded very well over those few days. We spent a lot of time communicating about our ideas for the future of Oklahoma BPA. Aside from the work, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other. I’m very pleased to be working with such amazing people. 

What are you looking forward to the most as a BPA state officer?

I’m most looking forward to watching our team thrive. We have some pretty amazing ideas between us, and I think we’re going to do some amazing things. I also look forward to watching Oklahoma BPA thrive, and meeting many of our awesome members. 

What do you like to do outside of BPA?

Outside of BPA, I really enjoy spending my time with family and friends. I love to cook and bake for them any chance I get. 

Who inspires you?

I’d have to say my mom inspires me. Through every hardship she has encountered, she has persevered, and found her way through it. She is the strongest person I know. I’ve always aspired to have her strength and willpower. She has worked very hard to support me through everything, and I appreciate her greatly. 

Why is CareerTech education important?

Careertech education is essential for equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers, supporting economic development, and fostering a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

If you could describe yourself with one word, what would it be?

If I could describe myself with one word, it would be “dedicated.” When I find something I love, such as BPA, I make it my top priority. I put all my effort into all of my endeavors. 

Funniest BPA story?

I think so far my funniest BPA story has to be when we were at nationals. The team and I, and some other OKBPA members, were visiting with the National candidates, and we were so exhausted that we were delirious at the end. We sat there and giggled at the slightest thing. After the meeting was officially over, we started dancing around and cracking jokes. I really cherish this memory. 

Favorite show to binge watch?

Currently my favorite show to binge watch is Stranger Things. 

Advisor: Angela Brownfield

The reason I joined BPA because it was already required for our tech class and I ran for office was my advisor came to me and told me about state office, I immediately wanted to do it I heard that there were amazing opportunities for being in office and it would help me even get further into any future career. My favorite BPA memory would have to be CTU with a bunch of state officers from different organizations! I’m looking forward to FLC and getting to meet and network with all of my fellow BPA members. I like to read and play dress to impress on Roblox in my free time. My mom definitely inspires me the most, she works so hard for me and my sister and still manages to always have a good time with us! Career tech is important because it helps students mature and gives them a better idea of what they want to do with their future, career techs also open so many opportunities that you could’ve never even imagined! If I had to describe myself in one word it would definitely be determined because if there’s something I want to achieve I will always give it my all! The funniest BPA story I have is when I got elected for office.. I was so overjoyed and excited to go up there but as I was walking up the stairs I tripped and almost fell. My favorite thing to binge watch embarrassingly enough is definitely and always will be SpongeBob! 

Advisor: Meredith Simmerly

1.  I joined BPA because my advisor was incredibly passionate about the organization and really projected that enthusiasm onto me. Recognizing my own shortcomings in leadership skills, public speaking, and general anxiety, I saw BPA as the perfect opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and improve in these areas.

2.  I decided to run for state office after being inspired by Thomas Branson at the state officer panel during FLC in Norman. His leadership and dedication resonated with me. My primary goal as a state officer is to increase member communication with the state officer team and address issues on a personal level. Initially, I was unsure about applying, but Nancy encouraged me by saying she would do it if I did, which gave me the final push I needed.

3.My favorite BPA memory so far is from the Oklahoma State Leadership Conference (SLC) where I was inducted into this role and made the pledge to serve our community.

4. As a state officer, I am most looking forward to the connections I will make, whether with members or outside sources. I am excited about the memories I will create with my team and the members of BPA. Most importantly, I am eager to fulfill the promises I made to the members of BPA and make a positive impact.

5. Outside of BPA, I am the captain of our high school baseball team, playing shortstop as the only senior. I also enjoy playing video games with my friends and trying to enjoy life as it presents itself.

6.  My grandfather, Clint, inspires me deeply. He drove my passion for CTSOs and opened me up to this world of opportunity. My father, Marty, has played a big role in inspiring me, he’s faced adversities that most cannot claim and emerged as a pillar in my life. Then there’s my mom, she’s the foundation of my moral principles, teaching me so much about the later stages of life. I couldn’t ask for a better group of role models.

7.  Career and Technical Education (CTE) equips students with practical skills and industry-specific training, enhancing their employability and career prospects. It offers a pathway to success aligned with students’ interests and strengths, while also supporting economic development by creating a skilled workforce to meet the needs of local and global industries.

8. If I could describe myself with one word, it would be “reserved.” While I can be diverse and adapt to various situations, I often tend to maintain a reserved demeanor, observing and reflecting before taking action.

9. During nationals in Chicago, my friends and I were in a voting delegate meeting. We were all super tired, and as a result, we were absolutely delirious afterward. We made silly jokes and laughed like we were comedians. Nationals was really the first time our team came together on our own, and it was truly amazing to see us collaborate and make lifelong friends.

10.  My favorite show to binge-watch is “The Office.”

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.

-Tracie Spencer

There we were warmly greeted by Mr. Rhoads and were later introduced to Ms. McCrary, who are the secondary and mid-level chapter advisors. We began the meeting with an icebreaker called “Letter Association”. We divided the group into two sides of the room. Students were given a letter and a topic and the first to grab our microphone and say a word associated won. After this, we presented a slide show covering what BPA is, becoming an active member, torch awards, WSAP, officer roles, increasing membership, fundraising ideas, and chapter projects. During our presentation, we asked the members for their thoughts and ideas on fundraisers and if they enjoyed the Fall Leadership Conference. We ended with having the chapter ask us questions about our slideshow, the state office, and general BPA knowledge.

We had a fantastic time getting to speak to this chapter. There is such incredible energy coming from the students and I do not doubt that this chapter will have an incredibly successful year. I can’t wait to hear about all they do as they Seize the Opportunity this year!

-Thomas Branson

Advisor: Mitch Brinley

1. I joined BPA for experience in the workforce and a place to make friends that were serious about business. 
2. My advisor greatly encouraged me to run for state office, she saw something in me that I did not see, and pushed me outside of my comfort zones. Now I am so excited to be on the State council because I get to be a part of something greater than myself. 
3. My favorite BPA memory is definitely campaigning for office, I got to meet so many members there, and I made friends with my fellow candidates. 
4. I am looking forward to meet new members and learn more about how an organization like this is run. 
5. Outside of BPA, I love camping, rock climbing, and serving at my church.
6. My advisor inspires me because she is constantly inspiring those around her to be the best that can be. She encourages me to try my best, and pushes me to try new things. 
7. Careertech education is important because it allows students to gain real, valuable experience that benefits them in both the long term, and the short term.
8. Optimistic – word to describe myself
9. After being elected, at officer training, we were doing a blind maze activity, and watching my team attempt it was definitely one of the funniest things that I have been apart of in BPA.
10. Drive to Survive – binge show