Martin, Hein to compete in BPA National Conference

As recruiters go, Niles senior Mady Martin did an excellent job of convincing Ele Hein to join Niles High School’s Business Professionals of America club this year.

“She talked me into it,” said Hein.

The move worked out well for the BPA club as both Martin and Hein wound up qualifying for the 2014 BPA National Leadership Conference that will take place this weekend in Indianapolis.

Both made it by placing in the top three at the BPA state competition earlier this year.

Martin said she would compete in an event called administrative support concepts. Although she has competed at the state level three times, this is her first time advancing to nationals.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the different people from different states and seeing how other BPA chapters do their thing,” said Martin, who will attend the University of Michigan to study business.

Hein will compete in the parliamentary procedures event. This is her first year in BPA, although she said she has had plenty of experience competing in parliamentary procedures as a member of the Cassopolis FFA.

Hein is looking forward to taking the test.

“It’s a great feeling to sit down with a test and say, ‘I know this one,’” she said.

Hein plans to double major in anthropology and archaeology at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, upon graduating from Niles.

Martin and Hein left Wednesday for the four-day conference along with BPA advisor and Niles teacher Alyse Hoyt.

Thousands of students from around the country will gather in Indianapolis to compete, showcase their business skills and develop leadership acumen. In addition to competing, students will take part in development workshops, national officer elections and visit sites around Indianapolis.