Thirty-four students from DACC recently participated in the Ohio Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference and many will move on to the national competition. The event, held on March 7th and 8th, drew over 2,000 members from across the state, including students, business partners, and advisors, all converging to compete, learn, and grow in a variety of career and technical disciplines.
Students competed in a wide range of categories such as Computer Security and 3D Modeling, Programming, and Design – all categories that tie directly to their program of study and the future workforce. Sixteen individuals have earned the opportunity to advance to the national competition, set to take place in Chicago this May. They will be joining eighteen of their peers who qualified through virtual competitions alongside three students from Delaware Hayes High School.
According to Jack Ryan, a senior in DACC’s Application Development and Programming Technology program and Olentangy Liberty High School, “I had a unique opportunity to network with students and instructors from other schools, as well as businesses who were there. It was really valuable to learn what other programs like mine are doing and what businesses are looking for when they hire.”
Sophia Zindars, a Digital Design Senior at DACC and Buckeye Valley High School found value in having the experience to present to a panel of judges at a state level. “It was important to my teammate and I that we modify and improve our presentation from the regional to the state level. I was curious how other teams presented their projects, so having the best of BPA across the state in one place was a great learning experience.”
National Qualifiers Include:
Miles Janow: SQL – 1st Place
Andrew Langan: Linux – 1st Place | Also secured 2nd Place in IT Concepts and 3rd Place in Programming
Max Sanclemente & Carter Sharp: Podcasting – 1st Place
Ash Li: T-Shirt Design – 1st Place
Anabella Majors: Pin Design – 1st Place
Natalie Vrancken: 3D Modeling – 1st Place
Luke Bennett, Antonio Rodriguez, James Verdin, & Brodie Westrick: Animation – 1st Place
Skylar Brotman, Mackenzie Hoye, & Liam Thomas: Web Design - 3rd Place
Wilson Lane: Computer Security - 4th Place
Janya Nelahonne: Digital Communication Design - 5th Place
Riley Spires: Java - 5th Place
Eliot Hiester: C# Programming - 5th Place
The conference also highlighted the diverse talents of our students in other competitive events, with several securing top positions.
Top Placements:
Saige Arnhold & Sophia Zindars: UX Design - Top 10
Luke Atkins: Python - Top 10
Frank Gaughen, Gabby Kane, Jake Neighbors, & Peter Siler: Video Team - Top 10
Jack Ryan: C# Programming - Top 10
Additionally, several students were recognized as State Finalists:
State Finalists:
Cora Pierson: Graphic Design
Cohen Brown: IT Concepts
Hanania Juillet: Java
Alex Anderson: Computer Security
Vincent Panzica: PC Service
Levi Stover: Web Design Fundamentals
Camille Leber also attended to represent the Delaware Area Career Center as Chapter President.
View and download a full album of photos here
Photo credit: Logan Smutylo, Chapter Photographer