By David Fleet
Editor
From March 14-17, Brandon High School joined more than 140 high schools statewide at the Business Professionals of America, 47th annual state leadership conference in Grand Rapids.
BPA, or Business Professionals of America is an after school opportunity for students to development leadership skills, personal, career and professional growth along with interaction with the business community. The competitions are related to business and include presentations along with simulations related to real life business scenarios.
At the conference BHS Senior Noah Cox served as the Executive Vice President of the Michigan BPA association representing more than 4,000 members statewide.
“I’m so proud of my fellow chapter members,” said Cox. “Comparatively, Brandon High School is really small. So for us to do so well as compared to some of the bigger schools as these BPA competitions is a big deal.”
Seven BHS students placed top eight in their respective competitions.

Kylie Claxton placed fourth in the state for her presentation management individual event; Adam Cox placed seventh in business law and ethics and fifth in Banking and Finance; Brooke Kilyk placed third in extemporaneous speech and the group consisting of Cooper Hickmott, Guy and Matthew Beasley and Dylan Bone placed eighth in the state for their presentation management team event.
Additionally, Zoe Cooney and Sydney Leslie both qualified for torch awards at BPA states, these are awards given to those who demonstrate superior dedication to community service and being a good samaritan.
As a result of the state competition Adam Cox qualifies for the national competition in Anaheim, Calif. May 1-5.
“This weekend was a blast for everyone and I think everyone came away satisfied and happy even if they didn’t place in their business competition,” said Cox.