--Several first place honors for First State student--

More than 270 Delaware middle and high school business education students recently participated in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) 2008 National Leadership Conference in Reno, Nevada. These students joined 6,000 delegates from throughout the United States to participate in skill and leadership competitive events, as well as leadership development workshops. Delaware students were recognized as placing in the “top 10” in 26 secondary and 31 middle level events.

Top recognition in the national competitive events program was awarded to Cameron Olezene, Caesar Rodney High School, first place in Payroll Accounting and Kevin Welch, Hodgson Vo-Tech High School, first place in Keyboarding Production. Other first place finishers in the Middle Level Division included: Alexa Andaya, Postlethwait Middle School, Business Communication Skills, Business Math, and Computer Literacy; Rachel Grunden, Postlethwait Middle School, Business Fundamentals; Molly Beck, Gauger Cobbs Middle School, Keyboarding Production; Martha Lopez, Gauger Cobbs Middle School, Spreadsheet Applications; Postlethwait Middle School’s Web Site Design Team with members Alexandra Cheatham, Pratyusha Gupta, Alexa Andaya and Rachel Grunden; and Gauger Middle School’s Career Research Project Team and members Elizabeth Kawa, Jillian Hammond, Arwa Salhab and Ashley Williams.

Special recognition was given to the Delaware Association of Business Professionals local chapters and members through the following award presentations:

The Professional Cup (Outstanding State Participation) - Awarded to the Delaware Association of Business Professionals of America. This award encourages state associations to become actively involved in promoting participation in the Special
Recognition and Torch Awards Programs and recognizes the state achieving the most
active participation.

• Air Force Recruiting Salute Award Presented to Howard High School of Technology. One chapter is recognized annually for outstanding citizenship, compassionate community service, leadership and achievement, and support for American free enterprise.
• American Red Cross Award - Presented to Middletown High School. BPA chapters are encouraged to provide volunteer services, to assist with disaster services, to provide health and safety community education, to participate in American Red Cross blood drives, and/or to raise and donate monetary support for the American Red Cross.
• Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Presented to Howard High School of Technology. This award recognizes local chapters for their outstanding activities and program of work.
• Entrepreneurship Explosion Presented to Howard High School of Technology. This award encourages all members to have a better understanding of the American free enterprise system, what it means to their future, and to communicate this understanding to others. Members are also encouraged to study the role of an entrepreneur and small business management.
• Merit Scholar Awarded to Brian Kelleher, Pencader Charter School. Individual members and advisors are recognized for their knowledge of Business Professionals of America regarding the history, traditions, programs, and activities of the organization.
• Member Recruiter Awarded to Nicole Ocampo, Kirk Middle School. This award encourages current members to recruit new BPA national members.
• Community Action Awarded to Kirk Middle School. Local chapters are encouraged to become actively involved in community betterment, school improvement, election-year activities, and energy-related activities.

Delaware’s Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.