National BPA contest to be held in California this week

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

A pair of Henning students will be competing against students from across the country at the National Business Professionals of America (BPA) contest in Anaheim, Calif. this week. 

Lila Thorson and Monica Hansen qualified for the national competition in a pair of events and will represent a town of just 800 people on BPA’s biggest stage. In fact, the Henning sophomore and freshman may be sharing the stage with individuals who have more people living in their apartment building and subdivision, as opposed to the entire town of Henning.

Thorson, who is the daughter of Matt and Brooke Thorson of rural Henning, said she was surprised when she learned she advanced to the national competition. Just a sophomore, Thorson said she is looking forward to the opportunity to have some new experiences both as part of the competition, as well as visiting California. 

“I was surprised,” said Thorson of qualifying for nationals. “I don’t know what to expect and I am looking forward to a new experience.”

Thorson qualified for nationals after placing second in Advanced Word Processing and third in Advanced Office Systems and Procedures at the state competition in March. 

Hansen, who is the daughter of Don and Sandy Hansen of Vining, advanced in a pair of events after she took second place in the category of Prepared Speech and third place in the category of Intermediate Word Processing. 

The Henning School freshman joined BPA for the first time this year and is looking forward to the chance to see California and meet BPA competitors from across the country. 

The National BPA contest will be held from April 26-30 in Anaheim, Calif.