Oak Forest HS Business Programs Join Forces to Honor Hard Work at Year End Banquet

Oak Forest High School business programs BPA, FCCLA, and DECA joined forces to honor their hard working members at the Annual Business Programs Banquet, held at Oak Forest High School. Special guests Dr. Brad Sikora, Dr. April Nykaza, Dan Dunne and Jane Dempsey were on hand to honor the industrious students at the banquet. Each work program honored the students who have learned so much and have competed in various state and national competitions this year. Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning Jane Dempsey thanked teachers for connecting students to real life learning outside of school and said this to students, “Students, thank you for making connections with the community--you are possible of great things!” The Business Professionals of America (BPA) President Mikella Klimson spoke on behalf of the BPA program. She said, “The best part of BPA is the opportunity to compete in Nationals and to travel the country. Last year I went to Boston, and this year, I’m going to Florida. It also helped prepare me to balance work and school.” Oak Forest High School teacher Connie McSweeney is the sponsor of BPA. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Co-President Michael Coppolillo spoke on behalf of the FCCLA program. He said, “This class was the first class of my day and the best way to start the day. The best part of FCCLA is being prepared for real life experiences. For example, safety in the workplace, like OSHA. We did taxes. We learned how to apply for jobs, how to job interview, and how to be professional.” Co-President Morgan Anderson said, “FCCLA taught me how to be a better communicator and how to consider my future after school. I enjoyed the Feed my Starving Children Event we went to because I felt like I made a difference in the world.” Oak Forest High School teacher Kristina Blair is the sponsor of FCCLA. Ronnie Wanda spoke on behalf of DECA President Hannah Jaroszewski, as she was taking an AP exam at the time of the banquet. “I loved the experience of DECA and feel I will use it the rest of my life,” he said. Oak Forest High School teacher Katie Gomez is the Sponsor of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). All of these students put in countless hours on their club activities. Part of their responsibilities of being a part of this club was getting and maintaining a job which emphasized the work skills they were getting as a part of club activities. All of these clubs competed at the regional and state levels and did very well. BPA also competed nationally and did very well as well.