Six Gateway Technical College students captured first-place honors at the state leadership conference of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) and have qualified to compete at the national BPA event in May.

Gateway students took first place in the following categories, competing against students from 11 other Wisconsin technical colleges:

• Presentation Management Team: Elizabeth Klinzing (Elkhorn), Holly Anderson (Waterford), Magan Lawrence (Elkhorn)
• Interviewing Skills: Elizabeth Klinzing
• Web Design Team: Kasey Knudson (Reedsburg), Kelly Kendra (Genoa City), Nicole Rugen (Delavan)

Rugen also placed second in Graphic Design Promotion and third in Advanced Interview Skills, while Lawrence also placed second in Interviewing Skills.

The event was held Feb. 21- Feb. 24 in Green Bay. Students were judged by industry professionals who are able to also share their expertise with students.

“The experience students gain from a competition like this is priceless,” says adviser Tina Page. “It builds confidence, self-esteem, the ability to work with others as a team and they gain skills they can use once they enter their career. Competing and placing well at BPA competitions is something they can put on their resume.

“It’s a great learning and growing experience and they can use what they’ve learned in the classroom in real-life applications.”

BPA is the national career/technical student organization for students preparing for careers in the business field.

For more information, please contact Page at (262) 741-8326.

Gateway Technical College collaborates with communities in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties to ensure economic growth and viability by providing education, training, leadership and technological resources to meet the changing needs of students, employers and communities.