ALMA — Following up on an exceptional performance at the regional event in February, the Business Professionals of America chapter at Alma College delivered an impressive performance at the BPA National Leadership Conference earlier this month, earning multiple top-five finishes against competitors from across the country.

Under the guidance of Andy Singer, professor of business at Alma College and chapter advisor, Alma students earned eight top-five placements, including two national championships and a runner-up finish in team competition.

“We were incredibly proud of how our students represented Alma College on the national stage,” Singer said. “Because of spring term travel conflicts, we only had four students able to attend this year’s conference, but they made the most of the opportunity and competed exceptionally well.”

Leading the way was Chloe Anderson (Washington, Mich./Romeo High School), who captured a national title in Ethics and Professionalism, placed second in Contemporary Issues and Meeting and Events Planning, and teamed with Jake Lasceski (St. Johns, Mich./St. Johns High School) to win first place in the Small Business Management Team competition.

Lasceski also earned second place in Ethics and Professionalism, third place in Management, Marketing and Human Resources, and fifth place in Business Law and Ethics.

Laurence Cahill (Leeds, U.K./Grammar School at Leeds) rounded out Alma’s national finalists with a fifth-place finish in Banking and Finance.

Singer said the results continue to demonstrate the strength of Alma’s BPA chapter and the value of experiential learning opportunities in business education.

“These events challenge students to think critically, communicate professionally and apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios,” Singer said. “To see our students succeed at the national level is a testament to the work they’ve put in throughout the year.”

The conference also gave students opportunities to network with peers and professionals from around the country while representing Alma College in a highly competitive environment.

Singer noted that the chapter is already looking ahead to future national competitions, with next year’s conference scheduled for Denver and the following year’s event planned for Orlando.

National Top-Five Finishers

Alma College students earning national recognition included:

First Place

  • Chloe Anderson and Jake Lasceski — Small Business Management Team
  • Chloe Anderson — Ethics and Professionalism

Second Place

  • Chloe Anderson — Contemporary Issues
  • Chloe Anderson — Meeting and Events Planning
  • Jake Lasceski — Ethics and Professionalism

Third Place

  • Jake Lasceski — Management, Marketing and Human Resources

Fifth Place

  • Laurence Cahill — Banking and Finance
  • Jake Lasceski — Business Law and Ethics

Alma’s BPA chapter helps students develop leadership, teamwork and professional skills through competition and experiential learning opportunities in business and technology fields.