Kenton Students Shine at State Competition, Earn Spots on the National Stage

KENTON, OH – Students from Kenton High School and the Ohio Hi-Point (OHP) programs demonstrated exceptional professional skill and dedication at the 2026 Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference, held February 23rd and 24th at the Columbus Convention Center.

Competing against the best and brightest from across Ohio, Kenton’s students secured several top-tier finishes, proving their readiness for the next level of competition. The atmosphere was electric as results were announced on the morning of the 24th, validating the months of technical practice and creative development these students poured into their respective fields.

Leading the Pack: Individual and Team Success

Kenton’s competitors delivered standout performances across multiple categories, with several students securing high-ranking spots:

• Computer Modeling: Karyn Hopkins achieved a remarkable 2nd place finish.
• Medical Coding: Garraden Wirbel earned 2nd place overall in a highly complex healthcare field.

• Entrepreneurship: Anden Goldsmith clinched 3rd place.

• Health Research Presentation: Emori Criner impressed the judges with a 3rd place finish.

• Fundamental Desktop Publishing: Brady Cole earned a 6th place finish.

The collaborative spirit of Kenton was also on full display in the team events:

• Computer Animation Team: Jaycob Francis, Jackson Blue, Zane Styer, and Wade Manns earned 6th place.

• Visual Design Team: Christina Newberry, Meredith Donnelly, Kiyah Howe, and Maggie Musser secured 8th place.

Reflecting on the achievement, Mr. Wes Goldsmith remarked, “It’s one thing to practice these skills in a classroom, but seeing our students step up and hold their own against the best in the state is incredible. They didn’t just show up; they competed with a level of focus that makes you really proud to be their advisor.”

The Road to Nashville

These impressive results pave the way for Kenton’s top performers to represent their community and the state of Ohio at the upcoming BPA National Leadership Conference. The event will be held from May 6th–10th, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mr. Zac Goldsmith praised the students’ growth throughout the process: “Success at this level isn’t just about talent, it’s about the hours of work behind the scenes that nobody sees. These students took on some of the toughest categories and proved they belong on the national stage. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors

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, Robinson Fin, and Precision Strip.
• Bronze Sponsors: Pleasant Precision (PPI) and Wingfield Crop Insurance.