THS Students Learn Business Ropes in New Student Organization
Taos High School has a new club called Business Professionals of America also known as BPA, it is a vocational student organization. The mission of BPA is to contribute to the preparation of a world class workforce, through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. To achieve this goal, students study various business topics inside classes and outside of school. Students who are or have been enrolled in a business, office or computer course are invited to join. Through involvement as an active BPA member, students gain valuable experience and skills.
The Taos High School chapter of BPA started out with 12 members. Competition started at the regional level, where students had a chance to qualify for state competition. Through the Workplace Skills Assessment Program students can study and compete in a variety of subject matter like Word Processing, Administrative Support Concepts, Financial Math & Analysis, PC Troubleshooting, Information Technology Concepts, Management, Marketing and Human Resources, Java Programming, Economic Research Project-Individual and PC troubleshooting to name a few.
Regional Competition was held on December 8th in Las Vegas, NM at Robertson High School. Students who did well at Regional competition and/or wished to compete further in open events recently attended NM BPA State Conference in Albuquerque February 14 through the 16th. The group had great success!
| Elon Bauer – 10th
grade 1st in Financial Math & Analysis 4th in Administrative support concepts 2nd in PC Troubleshooting (qualified for Nationals) 4th in Information Technology Concepts 3rd in Java Programming (qualified for Nationals) |
Toby Salazar – 10th
grade
5th in Spreadsheet Applications (qualified for Nationals) 3rd in Economic Research Project - Individual (qualified for Nationals) Top 10 for Informational Technology Concepts |
| Christina Mascarenas –
11th grade Placed in Top 10 in Administrative support Concepts |
Jillian Driskell – 11th
grade Place in Top 10 in Insurance Concepts |
| Jalyssa Driskell – 11th
grade Placed in Top 10 in Management, Marketing, and Human Resources |
Crystal Jackson – 10th
grade Competed in Medical Office Procedures and open events |
| *Gabriella Glanz – 11th
grade
Competed in open events |
The above students, (save 1*) are wishing to attend the National BPA Leadership Conference. All students plan to compete in Open and/or Individual Events, attend Career Fitness Workshops, attend the National Leadership Academy and intern, behind the scenes, at the conference.
In additional to competition the local Taos chapter will be participating in social activities, community service events, field trips, guest speakers, and of course competition and fund raising activities.
One of the group’s ongoing fundraisers requires lots of community support. Students are collecting empty inkjet and toner cartridges of all shapes and sizes as well as old cell phones (working or not) for recycling. This is an environmentally friendly, service oriented fundraiser that’s easy and doesn’t have a hard sell. Normally businesses or households throw these things away or send off to another company. The community can now donate these items to the school to benefit the BPA chapter.
Any person, business or organization wishing to help in any way with training, guest speaking and/or fundraising is asked to please call the BPA Advisor, Ms. Tracy Galligan in her classroom at 575-751-8072 or send an email to tragal@taosschools.org.
Business Professionals of American Winners - 2008 State Conference
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Elon Bauer, 10th grade |
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Christina Mascarenas, 11th grade |
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Jalyssa and Jillian Driskell, 11th grade |
Gabriella Glanz, 11th grade |
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