For the first time in its history, students from South High School have taken their business acumen to the state level, participating in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference. Junior Kaleah Carse, along with her peer Zekeil Williams, represented the school in a competitive environment where they had the chance to directly engage with industry leaders and advisors—a significant first for South High.
Carse opened up about her experience, saying, "BPA has really shown me that I am better with business than I thought. I didn't think that I would succeed in the fields that I am at this moment," in a statement obtained by the Columbus City Schools. Her journey was fortified by rigorous preparation, including dedicated study time and practice under timed conditions to finely tune and to eventually master her business skills—a testament to her resilience and determination.
South High's participation in BPA underscores the value of hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to tangible business world dynamics. Dr. Regina Keyes, the Business and Marketing Curriculum Coordinator, emphasized the broader impact, stating, "The skills that they're gaining right now will take them to where they want to go in life," in an interview with Columbus City Schools.
Williams, Carse's counterpart at South High School, also found his stride through BPA by improving his public speaking abilities and learning to navigate professional spaces. “[Carse and Williams] both have unique talents and I'm so proud of them,” shared Business Teacher Kimberly Dillard, articulating her support for her students' growth and the school's burgeoning talents in an interview with Columbus City Schools.
The historic moment for South High School as students advance through BPA competitions is not just a personal victory for Carse and Williams, but serves as an inspiration for other students to explore such programs. Carse's advice to her peers is straightforward: "I know a lot of people say that, but it does help if you step outside your comfort zone. You're going to have good opportunities if you decide to push yourself and actually do things that you didn't think you'd be able to," as she told Columbus City Schools.
The achievements of Carse and Williams exemplify the opportunities and confidence-building that BPA and similar initiatives can foster, shaping students to dream bigger and reach further in their educational and professional journeys. For more details on the story, you can visit the official report on the Columbus City Schools website.
