Seven Montcalm Community College students placed in the top 10 at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., from April 26 to 30.

Claire Scott, of Beal City, is president of MCC’s BPA club and has been a part of the group for two years. She was a top 10 finalist in Payroll Accounting and placed second in Presentation Management – Team with Noelle Kyes, of Belding, and Kyleigh Mills, of Greenville.

“Other than placing in both of my events, I really enjoyed networking with other schools’ competitors and advisors who also attended the conference,” Scott said. “I like that attending these conferences brings out my professional and outgoing personality and solidifies that going into business professionally is something I really can excel in.”

To receive a top 10 ranking in Payroll Accounting, competitors had to demonstrate their knowledge in payroll accounting and taxes by completing two tests in a 60-minute time frame. For the Presentation Management – Team award, the team was given a topic to discuss and present to a judge to effectively demonstrate that they knew how to work in a team while also showcasing their skills in making a professional and attractive digital presentation. The topic they were given was to discuss if the local chamber of commerce should consider “gig work” a valid business model and how it benefits the local economy and community.

Sawyer Bowers, of Greenville, was a top 10 finalist in Personal Finance Management; Jaxson Clark, of Greenville, placed third in Advanced Office Procedures; Lindsey Olger, of Sheridan, placed fifth in Presentation Management – Individual; and Emily Throop, of Stanton, was a top 10 finalist in College Accounting and placed fourth in Financial Math & Analysis and third place in Interview Skills.

Throop has been part of BPA since September 2022.

“My favorite thing about the conference was getting to know my club mates more by going sightseeing with them and just enjoying each other’s company,” she said. “I laughed more on the trip than I have in a long time!”

Mills has been part of BPA for two years. She said her event helped her to work with a team and understand how to work well with others in a business situation, plus it allowed her to think outside the box.

“What I love most about attending the conference is growing as a leader and having an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone,” Mills said. “I love also being able to meet others by attending a national conference.”

Bill Bishop and Kristen Diehl, co-advisers of BPA, were impressed with how well the students represented the college.

“Kristen and I were particularly pleased with all the behind-the-scenes work these students did over the past year leading up to the conference,” Bishop said. “Whether it was assisting the college with activities, partnering with local food banks, or developing fundraising activities, this group of students has been exemplary in demonstrating outstanding leadership and management skills.”

Photo from left to right: Claire Scott, Noelle Kyes, Kyleigh Mills, Emily Throop, Lindsey Olger, Sawyer Bowers, and Jaxson Clark.

Media contact:
Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833