Kenton High School Students Shine at Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference

KENTON, Ohio — Students from Kenton High School’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter returned home with impressive honors from the BPA National Leadership Conference, competing against thousands of students from across the country.

Among the standout performers, Brady Cole claimed 2nd place in the nation in Graphic Design, a remarkable achievement that reflects both his talent and dedication to his craft. Anden Goldsmith earned a Top 15 finish in Entrepreneurship, and Emori Criner secured a Top 20 national finish in her event. Karyn Hopkins also placed in the Top 20 nationally in Computer Modeling, demonstrating the chapter’s depth of excellence across a range of disciplines.

Garraden Wirbel competed in the Medical Coding Test, finishing 32nd in the nation — a strong result in one of BPA’s most technically demanding events.

Beyond competitive events, Jaycob Francis, serving as Local Chapter President, represented Kenton High School in a leadership capacity throughout the conference. Jack Whitmer was recognized with the prestigious Torch Award, which honors students who demonstrate outstanding commitment to BPA’s core values of leadership, service, and community.

The chapter also celebrated a remarkable achievement in industry certifications through Certiport, with multiple students earning credentials across a wide range of professional and technical fields:

• Jaycob Francis earned certifications in Banking and Finance, Engineering 1, Engineering 2, Engineering 3, and Engineering Technology.
• Jackson Blue earned certifications in Aquaculture, Family and Individual Relationships, 3D Computer Animation, and Early Childhood Development.
• Jack Whitmer earned certifications in Python Programming and Computational Thinking.
• Emori Criner earned certifications in Early Childhood Education 1 and Early Childhood Education 2.
• CJ Newberry earned certifications in Animal Science 1, Animal Science 2, Agricultural Science 1, Agricultural Science 2, and Veterinary Assistance.
• Garraden Wirbel earned a certification in Professional Communications.

These industry-recognized credentials demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and dedication Kenton’s BPA students bring to their education and future careers.

“This group of students worked incredibly hard all year, and seeing them compete at this level on a national stage is something special,” said Advisor Wes Goldsmith. “Brady’s 2nd place finish is a tremendous accomplishment, but honestly, every one of these students made us proud. They represented Kenton the right way.”

Advisor Zac Goldsmith echoed that sentiment: “What makes this chapter great isn’t just the trophies — it’s the character of these students. Watching them earn national certifications, compete at the highest level, and grow as young professionals reminded me of why BPA matters. Kenton has a lot to celebrate.”

Business Professionals of America is a national student organization that prepares students for careers in business and technology through skill development, leadership training, and real-world competition. Kenton High School’s chapter continues to be a model of excellence within the organization.

The success of the Kenton BPA chapter is made possible through the unwavering support of local partners:

• Platinum Sponsors: Quest, WKTN, Elevation Construction, and Rogers Insurance
• Gold Sponsors: Hensel Ready Mix, Golden Giant, McCullough, and Kenton Times
• Silver Sponsors: HSLC, Custom Torso, Triony Salon, Robinson Fin, and Precision Strip
• Bronze Sponsors: Pleasant Precision (PPI) and Wingfield Crop Insurance