chicago heights business students

A group of students from Chicago Heights School District 170 were recognized for the excellence of their presentations while competing at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference held recently in Orlando, Florida.

Mornique Craig, Vanessa Gutierrez, and Adriana Rodriguez earned “Top 10 in the Nation” recognition while representing the district in the area of Video Production, while Gabby Falcioni, Diego Origel, and Humberto Ortiz competed in Website Design.

Joe Barker and Allison Fansher, members of the School District 170 staff, accompanied the students.

“The incredible educational and personal growth opportunity that was afforded our students as participants at the BPA Nationals was an experience that will serve as a catalyst for success throughout their academic and professional careers,” Barker said.

The Business Professionals of America is a career and technical student organization that develops leadership, academic, and technological skills in the workplace. It is a voluntary, after-school activity, coordinated by Nick Pezzuto, Director of the STEM Academy and staff member Mark Pesavento.

The BPA experience focuses on providing training and exposure to 15 areas of concentration that concentrate on individual activities that are vital to success in the business world.

During their stay in Orlando, the students visited Walt Disney World and enjoyed other area attractions.

“We congratulate our students on the recognition of the excellent presentations they made at the BPA National Leadership Conference,” said SD170 Superintendent Tom Amadio.

“By competing at the national level against teams from junior high schools from nearly every state and demographic background, these students were a credit to our school district and our community.”