Computer Programming and Engineering Students Advance to BPA State Competition

OSTC Northeast Computer Programming students delivered a strong performance at the Business Professionals of America Region 1 Leadership Conference held Jan. 9, with five of six students advancing to the state level.

Top finishers included Alyssa Acker of Lake Orion High School, who placed first in Fundamentals of Web Design, third in IT Concepts, and fifth in Computer Programming. Acker earned an exceptional score of 551 out of 600 in Web Design, so high that no second-place award was given.

Samuel Masker of Rochester High School placed second in Information Technology Concepts and third in Computer Programming, qualifying for the state competition for the second time. He said participation in Business Professionals of America has helped him build professional skills. “Through BPA in general, there’s a lot of learning how to be professional, specifically how to dress and act,” Masker said. “Another thing is teamwork.”

Masker plans to pursue an apprenticeship as an electrician and continue his studies toward a career in electrical engineering.

Additional state qualifiers included Nicholas McKinnon and Asia Allen of Waterford Kettering High School, along with Cannon Binder of Auburn Hills Christian School, who earned second place in the Website Design Team event. Diamond Lee of Lake Orion High School also competed.

The Website Design Team developed a mental health awareness website centered on a ripple-effect theme, highlighting how small acts of kindness can spread positive impact.

Students are now preparing for the Michigan BPA State Leadership Conference, scheduled for March 12–15, 2026, in Grand Rapids.

OSTC Northeast congratulates its students on their successful performance in the regional competition and wishes them continued success as they advance to the state level.