‘Tis the season once again! Some State Leadership Conferences are already in the books, some are being held currently and others will be held soon. This time of the school year brings excitement, determination and enthusiasm as student members showcase their knowledge, skills and talents developed throughout the year. The National Center is here to cheer and support our members as they GO Beyond Their Limits and achieve success they have earned through involvement in BPA. Let us know if we can help!
Exploring the 2022 National Leadership Conference Webinar
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 - 8:00 p.m. EST - On Zoom
The countdown to the National Leadership Conference (NLC) is here, and we can’t wait to see you in Dallas, May 4–8! The Executive Officers are thrilled to showcase this year’s NLC hotel, exciting tour opportunities, engaging activities and more! Make sure you and your students are prepared for this year’s big event by joining us on this Zoom webinar.
“Oh Say Can You Sing” National Anthem Contest
Do you want to showcase your vocal talents by singing the national anthem at the National Leadership Conference in Dallas? Soloists and groups are invited to submit a video of their best a cappella performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” for a chance to sing onstage during the conference Opening Session! Contest entrants must be BPA members planning to attend the conference. Entries will be accepted through Sunday, March 13, and the winning soloist or group will be notified within a week. Learn more: Entry Form
Accounting Program for Building the Profession
The AICPA is excited to announce that Accounting Program for Building the Profession (APBP) in-person trainings are coming back this summer! The APBP is a high school advanced accounting, honors-level course that integrates managerial and financial accounting. APBP introduces teachers to the curriculum and shows them a different way to teach their accounting course. Students benefit from a course that challenges them to think critically and gives them a more realistic idea of the accounting profession. Four free training sessions are available this upcoming summer in the following locations:
- Las Vegas, Nevada, at AICPA's ENGAGE Conference: June 7-9, 2022 (limited space available)
- Chicago, Illinois: June 20–22, 2022
- Houston, Texas: July 20–22, 2022
- Roseland, New Jersey: August 1–3, 2022
Registration for APBP Advanced Accounting summer trainings is open on the StartHereGoPlaces website. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all attendees, and hotel discount codes are available. If you are new to APBP, you can learn more about the curriculum and free training. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Watch the Latest Torch Award Tutorial Video
To raise awareness about Torch Awards and show members how easy it is to fill out activities on the online Torch Portal, Executive Council members are creating videos that showcase the nine Torches. The latest video focuses on 624 (Love, Hope, Faith). Don’t forget the submission deadline for the Ambassador Torch Award (given at the national level) is March 25. Submitting Torch resumes early provides an opportunity to make revisions if they are needed. Students who have already submitted resumes should check the Torch Portal to see their approval status.
Important Deadlines
Don’t miss out on the opportunity for advisors, students, chapters or friends of BPA to earn recognition for their achievements! Awards and certificates will be presented at the National Leadership Conference in Dallas. The links below provide complete descriptions and application requirements.
BPA Cares / Professional Awards – March 1
Advisor of the Year
Emerging Advisor of the Year
Emerging Professional of the Year
Hall of Fame
Outstanding Service
Student of the Year
President’s Volunteer Service - March 1
President's Volunteer Service Award
BPA Cares / Service Learning Awards – March 25
Community Service
Environmental Action/Awareness
Safety Awareness
Service Learning Individual
Special Olympics
BPA Cares / Special Recognition Awards – March 25
BPA Marketing and Public Relations
Chapter Activities Award of Excellence
Recruiter of the Year
Social Media
Chapter Distinction Awards – March 25
Quality Chapter Distinction
National Torch Award – March 25
Ambassador Torch Award
Student and Advisor Certifications – April 1
Student Certification - Level One
Student Certification - Level Two
Local Advisor Certification
Scholarships – April 1
National Technical Honor Society Scholarships
Sherrell Wheeler Scholarship
Tomorrow’s Business Professionals Scholarships
Executive Officer Candidate Applications Due April 1
April 1 is the application deadline for Secondary and Post-secondary members who are interested in running for a position on the 2022–2023 Executive Council, National BPA's student leadership team. Representing the student membership as an Executive Officer is an honor and privilege that also brings tremendous responsibility. It requires dedication and commitment to accomplish multiple goals throughout the year. Want to learn more about this leadership opportunity? Lean more: Informational video and candidate handbook
CHAPTER NEWS
Ohio Chapter Leaps Past $100,000 Fundraising Milestone for Special Olympics
BPA members from Batavia High School in Ohio braved single-digit January temperatures for the annual Greater Cincinnati Polar Plunge and leaped past a major fundraising milestone in the process. Since 2011 the Batavia BPA team has raised more than $100,000 to support Special Olympics, which provides sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Team members secure donation pledges before taking a quick plunge into the frigid waters. Some students continue the tradition even after graduating. “I have had former students return to jump, sponsor current students or start their own teams in college and through their employers,” said Angie Kovacs, the chapter advisor. "The fact they continue supporting the organization once they graduate speaks volumes."
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