NIC students earn top honors at state business competition

Eight North Idaho College students qualified to compete at the national level by achieving top placement in business-related events at the recent state Business Professionals of America (BPA) competition in Boise March 5. The students competed with university and college students from across the state in business skill competitions through BPA, a national organization for high school and college students preparing for careers in business.

"Students' ability to demonstrate a high level of excellence in a variety of topics is evidence of the quality of education and the quality of students at North Idaho College," said NIC Computer Applications and Office Technology Instructor Kathie O'Brien, who advises the NIC chapter of BPA. "Every person affiliated with NIC should be proud of the accomplishments of these hard-working students."

Award recipients include:

Victoria Day, Post Falls, first place in Advanced Accounting, first place in Administrative Support Team and second place in Human Resources.

Robert Rosin, Bonners Ferry, first place in Advanced Word Processing and first place in Administrative Support Team.

Melanie Orr, Coeur d'Alene, first place in Integrated Office Systems and served on the state officer team.

Stacee Pettis, Spokane, first place in Administrative Support Team, second place in Fundamental Word Processing and second place in Fundamental Spreadsheets.

Joe Ingalls, Coeur d'Alene, first place in Video Production Team and first place in Graphic Design Promotion.

Lillie Neff, Coeur d'Alene, first place in Video Production Team and second place in Graphic Design Promotion.

Danielle Lockwood, Coeur d'Alene, first place in Video Production Team.

Nurbek Jumayev, Coeur d'Alene, second place in Entrepreneurship and second place in Advanced Interview Skills.

Pettis, Day, Rosin, Orr and Ingalls were awarded the Statesman Torch Award for service and leadership.

The 2010 BPA National Leadership Conference will be held in Anaheim, Calif., May 5-9. The students are currently raising the money necessary to fund their trip to the national competition.

"Membership in BPA allows students to hone their leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills," O'Brien said. "Competing at the national level is the pinnacle of success for BPA. The students are very excited about competing at nationals and all hope to attend if finances allow. Donations of any type would be greatly appreciated."

For sponsorship or donation information, contact O'Brien at (208) 769-3264.