Business Professionals of America Member Receives Honor for Achievement

COLUMBUS, Ohio - May 19, 2016 - PRLog -- Business Professionals of America (BPA) is proud to announce that student member Mindy Young from Coldwater High School/Branch Area Career Center in Michigan is among the students being recognized as one of this year's U.S. Presidential Scholars. For the first time in the program's history, individuals from career and technical education (CTE) fields were among those being honored. This announcement was recently made by U.S. Secretary of Education John King.

"This year's class of Presidential Scholars continues a more than 50-year trend of honoring students who've shown excellence in their educational, artistic and civic pursuits," Secretary King said. "Thirty years ago, the program was expanded to include students in the arts, which is critical to providing students with a well-rounded education. Now, we've added 20 more slots to honor our highest achieving students in career and technical education, reflecting the Department's belief that a quality education must be a well-rounded education that prepares students for college, careers and any other civic service."

In all, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program cited 160 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and CTE. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

"It is a true reflection of the renewed interest in Career and Technical Education that the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is honoring CTE students for the first time," said BPA Executive Director Kirk Lawson. "BPA is proud that one of our members, Mindy Young, from the Michigan State Association is being recognized at the highest level for her academic and community service activities with this honor."

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,000 of the nation's top-performing students with the prestigious award since 1964. The 2016 White House-sponsored medallion ceremony will be held June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Washington, D.C. A Salute to the Scholars program will be held June 20 at the Kennedy Center.

"This is a testament to the quality education that Mindy has received in both her academic classes as well as her Career Technical program of study. We are proud and pleased to congratulate Mindy on a job well done!" said Lawson.

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About Business Professionals of America

Business Professionals of America, Inc. (BPA)is the leading career technical student organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management, information technology, office administration, marketing and other related career fields. Established in 1966, BPA is an intra-curricular national membership organization dedicated to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. The organization serves secondary, post-secondary and middle level students and educators by offering programs based on national standards spanning five career pathways: finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication & design and management, marketing & communication. For more information, visit: www.bpa.org