The Business Partners of America, also known as BPA, is a club run by BSM business teacher John Sabol. Sabol has been in charge of BPA at BSM since 2014. The club allows students to participate in business challenges with the goal of making it to state. The club had record numbers this year concerning its members and they hope to continue growing more and more throughout the years. This year, 21 members have the opportunity to participate in the BPA State Tournament. “I’m really pleased that a lot of students put in some time to work on their projects and to prepare. And so yeah, we had a lot of students to get to state,” Sabol said.
Many students are participating in this BPA state tournament. There is a lot of optimism going into the events as the students are hoping to be able to put their business skills to the test. Although 21 members made it to state, due to other conflicts some will not be able to attend it. This widdles the number down even more. Senior Allison Cachat was chosen to participate in the BPA State Tournament which she views as a huge accomplishment. She and other students who can’t attend still feel very proud and honored to have been chosen to participate in the BPA State Tournament. “I feel honored to be chosen to go to state and was super excited when I found that out,” Cachat said.
I’m hoping that one thing that we really haven’t focused on yet is focusing on getting to Nationals and participating in nationals
— John Sabol
For the students who are participating, they are excited and up for the challenge of competing. The BSM BPA team has been no stranger to the State Tournament in the past year as they consistently have sent members to compete. The next challenge on the docket for BSM BPA is trying to reach nationals. The National Tournament will be held in Chicago this year and it is hoped that BSM BPA can send someone this spring. “I’m hoping that one thing that we really haven’t focused on yet is focusing on getting to Nationals and participating in nationals,” Sabol said.
BPA is a growing club at BSM adding more and more members each year. Students have found interest in it through participating in group activities with friends as well as when Sabol has introduced them to the growing club. It’s intriguing for many students who feel like it’s a job but with minimal time commitment. “My favorite part of BPA is the business experience you get that really helps you prepare for college and a future job,” Cachat said.