Portage High School Sophomore, Christopher Shafer, accompanied by his father and his advisor and business teacher Lisa Melendez, traveled to Anaheim, CA on May 6 through May 10 to participate in the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference themed “Imagine, Believe, Become”.
Chris joined over 5,000 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national level business skills competitions, workshops, and general sessions. Besides having the opportunity to excel, Chris had the opportunity to experience the city of Anaheim, CA.
The conference is a culmination of a school years’ worth of business education and training. In order to make it to national competition, students must place in the top ten at the district and state level, Chris placed in the top five at both levels including first in the state of Indiana for SQL database fundamentals.
In Anaheim, Chris participated in three contests: SQL Database Fundamentals--placing 2nd, JAVA programing –-placing 9th, and Computer Programing Concepts--placing 24th
Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. The organization’s activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry.
