In May, 27 Eisenhower High School (EHS) students traveled to Orlando, FL to represent our #265Family at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). This prestigious event brings together the nation's most talented business-minded students to compete in real-world scenarios and showcase skills that will propel them into successful careers. As one of the premier Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) in America, BPA is designed to develop student leaders and help them hone their leadership abilities, professional competencies, and career readiness. Through competitions that mirror authentic workplace challenges, students demonstrate mastery in areas ranging from accounting and finance to technology and office administration. There were fall, regional, and state conferences leading up to the NLC.
This year over 6,800 attendees from across the United States (and even international representatives from China and Canada) participated in the NLC, with over 5,200 competing. Through a total of 27 uniquely competitive events, EHS students forged through the competition and represented Goddard Public Schools with pride. Students didn't just participate - they excelled on the national stage.
Owen Dent emerged as the top Tiger performer, placing 5th in Financial Math Analysis and 7th in Payroll Accounting nationwide. Dent also received the prestigious Ambassador Torch Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and service, while placing 17th in Advanced Accounting. Kourtney Ballinger also demonstrated outstanding technical proficiency, earning 7th place in Advanced Office Systems against competitors from across the country.
Additionally, the following EHS BPA student representatives placed nationally:
Tate Basham (19th, Fundamental Word Processing)
Braxton Hartley (20th, Device Configuration & Troubleshooting)
Baylee Hill & Karlynn Keatley (19th, Administrative Support Team)
Levi Shurtz (17th, Database Applications & 18th, Integrated Office Applications)
These rankings represent countless hours of practice, problem-solving, professional development and preparation. For these students, the experience extends far beyond the competition itself - they've developed skills that will serve them throughout their careers while forming connections with like-minded peers from across the globe.
Please join us in congratulating these exceptional students who represented not just EHS, but the whole #265Family, with distinction, professionalism, and pride on the national stage. Their success is a testament to the dedication they put in, the quality of USD 265 business educators, and the support of our entire community!