Six Montcalm Community College (MCC) students earned high honors during the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference at Davenport University on Feb. 8, with the majority of the students qualifying to compete at the National Leadership Conference in May in Washington, D.C.

Gabriella Andersen, of Sidney, earned fourth place in Interview Skills and fifth place in Small Business Management Team; Jessi Osterman, of Carson City, earned third place in Administrative Support Concepts; Kristina Rousseau, of Stanwood, earned fourth place in Financial Math & Analysis and fifth place in College Accounting; Steven Tripp, Jr., of Greenville, earned third place in Prepared Speech and fifth place in Small Business Management Team; Steve Tripp, Sr., of Greenville, earned fifth place in Small Business Management Team; and Chrysti Velting, of Greenville, earned second place in Graphic Design Promotion.

MCC’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) Lab Coordinator Kristen Diehl and Business Instructor Bill Bishop, who serve as BPA Club advisors, accompanied the students to the competition.

There were 134 postsecondary students and 10 advisors for a total of 144 participants at this year’s State Leadership Conference. There were six Postsecondary chapters present which included Northwood University, Alma College, Davenport University, Bay College, MCC and Central Michigan University.

BPA is the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields.