Kenton High School Students Shine at BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando

Release from Kenton BPA (5/14/2025):

Orlando, FL — Fifteen students from Kenton High School recently returned from the 2025 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference, held in Orlando, Florida, where they joined thousands of top students from across the country for a week of high-level competition, certification testing, and professional development.

Accompanied by advisors Wes Goldsmith and Zac Goldsmith, the Kenton BPA chapter made its mark on the national stage — especially the Computer Animation Team of Jaycob Francis, Cameron Jesionowski, Kelton Spearman, and Ben Dilts, who earned 2nd place in the nation. Their project showcased advanced animation techniques, creativity, and collaboration — setting them apart in a competitive field of national finalists.

“The animation team’s performance was nothing short of incredible,” said Wes Goldsmith. “Their second-place finish is a testament to their hard work, talent, and ability to tell a compelling visual story under pressure.”

Other student accomplishments included:

• The Global Marketing Team — Hadis Jumakhonov, Anna Coon, Carter Cannode, and original member Kate Jakesova — earned a spot in the Top 25 nationwide.
• Keirsten Burton placed 51st nationally in the Medical Coding competition.
• Aubrey Hattery & Gatlin Davis submitted their Torch Awards résumé reflecting leadership and community involvement.
• BPA Chapter Officers including Presley Wilson, Jack Whitmer, Richard Huang, Garraden Wirbel, and Aubrey Hattery as well as Kate Jakesova participated in certification testing, collectively earning thousands of dollars’ worth of industry-recognized credentials in business, communication, and technology fields.

Beyond competition, students explored Orlando, formed lasting connections with students from other states, and grew in confidence, professionalism, and vision for their futures.

“BPA gives students a chance to see what’s possible when they step outside their comfort zone,” said Zac Goldsmith, BPA advisor. “They return with stronger skills, sharper goals, and a clearer path forward.”

The trip left a lasting impact on all who attended — and with national recognition now under their belts, Kenton students are more motivated than ever to lead and innovate.

The Kenton BPA chapter extends its deepest thanks to the generous sponsors who made our journey to the 2025 National Leadership Conference in Orlando possible. Your support helped cover travel, registration, and professional development for our students — and made an unforgettable experience a reality.

Thank you to Quest Federal Credit Union, WKTN Radio, Rogers Insurance, Golden Giant, Buckeye Machine, Newland-Heydinger Insurance, Robinson Fin, and Pleasant Precision Inc. (PPI). Your belief in our students and investment in their future success means more than we can express — we are truly grateful. For more information about BPA at Kenton High School, please contact the school.