Mercy’s BPA (Business Professionals of America) are now planning to make changes to their traditional club for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.

BPA is a national club in which schools participate in charters to promote student development in leadership, education, and technological skills. BPA members attend conferences in which they can test their skills and knowledge on business matters.

“We usually are given test materials through books and outlines provided by Mrs. (Hallie( Smith, our facilitator, so we can study before the conference,” said sophomore Peyton Black.

New officers were elected at BPA’s last meeting in late May. They are sophomores Peyton Black, Brooklynne Bates, Asha Telang, and Charlotte Bridges.

“I feel like no one really knows what BPA is,” said Telang. “For next year, [the leaders] are all making it a priority to recruit new students by promoting our club more.”

The four members are also aiming to make the cut for the state conference, where only the top six teams in the county are invited to attend.

“One of the ways we are trying to get to States is through a Pistons game,” said Telang. “BPA students are able to meet with professionals at this game and can network for sponsors.”

Not only is Mercy’s BPA planning to expand within the school, but members also hope to make connections with other charters in the area.

“Next year we are trying to connect with other schools to plan BPA meetings with them,” said Black. “That way, we can help each other study and can even coordinate bus rides to conferences with them.”