HHS Sophomore Crowned State Champion in Business Professionals Competition

BILLINGS, MT – Hardin High School sophomore Jacob Jefferson emerged as the State Champion in the Computer Programming Concepts category at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference in Billings March 10-12, 2024, HHS BPA spokesperson Christy Morse said in a press release.

Jefferson competed against over 1,300 students from across the state in a series of challenging events.

Among those representing Hardin High School alongside Jefferson were Zephaniah Hernandez, Harper Howe, Tyran Joe, Liberty Koyama, Nevaeh Morse, Aaleah Perez, Carlos Pisano, Ne’Vaeh Plain Bull, Baylor Pryor, Laila Real Bird, Javan Reevis, Aidan Vandersloot, Nolan Vandersloot, Wesley Walks and Jacob Ward, each demonstrating commendable performance in their respective categories, Morse said.

"For students and chapter advisors attending the National Leadership Conference, the event is the culmination of a year's work," Steven J. Mitchell, BPA’s executive director/CEO said in the press release. "We can't wait to celebrate these students for the energy they have devoted to advancing to nationals in competitive events, sharpening their leadership and career skills, and contributing to community betterment through service initiatives.”

Jefferson's victory has earned him a spot at the BPA National Leadership Conference, in Chicago, to be held in May. This event is expected to gather about 6,000 students from across the United States, offering them a platform to participate in leadership and professional development workshops and be recognized for their contributions to community service, Morse said.

Joining Jefferson at the Nationals will be fellow sophomore and chapter member, Zephaniah Hernandez.