In February, 24 Columbus Wildcats attended the Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference in Urbandale. Among the highlights were an elected State Officer and six students qualifying for the National Conference. 

After delivering his farewell speech, 2023-24 State Parliamentarian Damian Vergara was able to swear his sister, Ariana Vergara into the same position. Ariana Vergara was voted into the Parliamentarian role by her colleagues and had the help of campaign manager, Frannie Sosa. 

Competing against more than 600 BPA students from across Iowa, Columbus had six students qualify for the National Conference. This included the Parliamentary Procedure team of Brynna Schwab, Damian Vergara, Lecet Quiroz, Jocelyn Hernandez, and Daniela Diaz. Vergara also qualified in Human Resource Management and Parliamentary Procedure Concepts. Schwab and Diaz qualified for Parliamentary Procedure Concepts as well, while Alexa Alcala qualified for Ethics and Professionalism. 

National Alternates include Maribel Montiel, Kymila Bacon, Mady Payne, Amelia Fulton, Aracely Garza, Ariana Vergara, Frannie Sosa, and Kimmy Gonzalez. Also placing at the State Competition were Jessica Del Rio, Anabel Solis, Yaileen Miranda, Drake Marin, Janelle Jimenez, Juan Alcala, Riley Kaalberg, Henry Hingst, Itai Zapienz, and Keaton Clark. 

The Business Professionals of America National Conference will be held in Chicago, from May 10-14.