Mariner Middle business students headed to nationals
The Mariner Middle Business Professionals of America chapter continues to dominate state competition, and will send 12 students to the national contest in Anaheim, Calif., held April 26-30.
About 260 students from 20 middle schools participated in 15 events in February’s BPA State Leadership Conference in Wilmington, where Mariner earned the Middle Level Professional Cup.
The award is presented to the chapter from each division that is most actively involved in Special Recognition and Torch Awards.
Mariner’s chapter is in its sixth year, said BPA advisor and teacher Daniel Shockley, who noted many of his students are also involved in the Honor Society and AVID, as well as community service projects.
Students said they enjoyed this year’s conference because it was all in-person. They prepared for their events during their free periods and lunch.
Mariner continues to dominate the Administrative Support Team Event, placing in the top two the last six years, Shockley said. Mariner’s Admin Support Team won first place with students Elena Booth, Macy Davis, Kate Hill and Emily Wells.
Mariner also dominated the Business Fundamentals event, placing four of the five state finalists, Shockley said. Caleb Marcus won first place, while Aubrie Sylvester was second, Hannah Wells earned fourth and Addy Zimmerman came in fifth.
In Computer Literacy, Addy Zimmerman placed first and Kate Dowd placed second.
In Graphic Design, Ariel King placed second and Blair Chubb placed third. Mariner also placed two out of the five finalists in the Word Processing event, Natalie Longo earned second, while Kate Dowd came in third.
Wells designed this year’s Delaware pin, which will be the official design worn by Delaware finalists at nationals. Caleb said he is especially looking forward to trading pins with students from across America.
While in Anaheim, students will also celebrate Natalie and Hannah’s birthdays, Shockley said. Sightseeing excursions are planned for Santa Monica, Knotts Berry Farm theme park, Disneyland and Universal. BPA National will also host a social bash for all finalists.
Several parents will be able to attend as chaperones and share the experience with their children, Shockley said.
The Mariner BPA team is currently seeking sponsors and donors to help defray student costs to attend the national competition. The cost is about $1,500 per student, Shockley said. Donations can be sent to Mariner Middle School, 16391 Harbeson Road, Milton, DE 19968 in care of Mariner BPA.
