Mariner Middle business students score at national competition

Mariner Middle business students earned top finishes in national competition, where the team also captured the Quality Chapter of Distinction award.

In all, 4,600 participants from American states, Puerto Rico, Canada, China and Guam attended this year’s Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., April 26-30, said Mariner BPA advisor and teacher Daniel Shockley. 

Mariner’s Administrative Support Team, comprising Macy Davis, Elena Booth, Emily Wells and Kate Hill, came in fourth nationally, following their win in Delaware in February.

Students were provided with content and given one hour to create an agenda, spreadsheet, presentation, logo and memo.

Emily Wells designed the Delaware state pin based on the state’s iconic and valuable black-and-white license plates. Her design was chosen by the state officer leadership team, and worn and traded by all Delaware delegates throughout the national conference.

“It was great to see the Delaware pin on everyone and know that Emily designed it,” Shockley said.

Kate Dowd, who finished third in Delaware, scored second place nationally in middle-level word processing. Her assignment was to take an unformatted document, format it properly and correct all mistakes. 

For the second consecutive year, Caleb Marcus earned a national Top 10 finish in digital citizenship; he also placed in the Top 10 in business fundamentals. While at the conference, he also earned industry certification in entrepreneurship and small business management. 

“Caleb is now Mariner BPA’s most awarded male member with three state and three national titles,” Shockley said.

Caleb said he enjoyed trading pins with people from all over the country and getting closer with his teammates.

“We connected as a team and came back friends,” Caleb said.

Gabby Hamstead was the only middle school student to receive the gold status President of the United States Service Award for volunteering 135 hours at soccer and golf camps, races, plunges, clean-ups, walks and as a tutor.

“It’s quite the accomplishment,” Shockley said. 

Blair Chubb, who finished third in Delaware, came in sixth nationally for her design of the 2024 National Leadership Conference flyer and tagline. Blair said she chose to highlight Wrigley Field in her materials because it is a Chicago landmark and Chicago will host the competition next year. 

Ariel King finished second in states and placed eighth nationally for her flyer and tagline design for the 2024 conference depicting the Chicago skyline.

Shockley said his students, who are all Honor Society members, were professional and prepared.

“This group was phenomenal,” Shockley said. “They were there to win and make sure everyone had a good experience.”

Teams also made time to tour the local area, including Disney World, California Adventure Park, Knott’s Berry Farm and Santa Monica Pier. The national conference also hosted the SoCal Bash party for students with different food trucks, mini golf, coconut-tree climbing competitions and entertainment.

Shockley said the team attends nationals in hopes of bringing back as many national titles as possible.

“But in the end, it is truly about the once-in-a-lifetime experience and bonding that occurs while we are there,” he said. “As long as each student realizes how incredible he or she is and returns with at least one fond memory, that is enough for me.”

Shockley said he especially appreciated the Mariner BPA parents who support their children and entrust him to guide them toward success.

“They are some of our greatest cheerleaders,” Shockley said. “Their encouragement and willingness to allow their children to attend both states and nationals helps make our program special.”

Additionally, Shockley said, chaperones Colleen Conlon-Dowd, Lara Booth, Matthew Hill, Amie King, Amanda Longo, Natalie Shockley, Shana Thomas, Janie Wells and Kristy Wells were an unmatched team who played a great role in their children’s success. 

“I know the students appreciated having them on site and being able to share in the experience,” he said.