Mariner Middle students shine in national business competition

The Mariner Middle School Business Professionals of America team returned from national competition with a host of awards and new records to break, all topped off with the Chapter Distinction Award, a repeat honor for the cohort.

Mariner’s 12 state finalists traveled to Chicago May 10 for the BPA National Leadership Conference, which hosted 6,000 middle, high school and post-secondary competitors.

For the past six years, Mariner BPA has dominated the administrative support team event at the state level, and has repeatedly placed in the top 10 nationally. This year, the team comprising Daisy Hughes, Linley Draper, Hannah Wells and Kate Dowd captured first place nationally for the first time.

Daisy said she was shocked, excited and proud when she heard the Mariner team won first place. 

“There was a lot of suspense leading up to the first-place announcement,” she said. “Going into the awards ceremony, I was thinking about whether or not we would place. I was nervous but hopeful.”

Kate said she was extremely proud of herself and her team.

“Considering it was the first time we had all worked together, it came as a bit of a shock, which made the moment even better,” she said.  

Attaining the win was a challenge, Hannah said.

“We used our teamwork and leadership skills to figure who would do what jobs and how they could be done,” she said. “When we took first, we were excited to know that we were able to push the challenges past us to achieve our goal of earning first.”

Quinn Kluchnik, Carson Tuer, Cody Williamson and Trizton Willey made history as Mariner’s first male administrative support team to place at states, where they earned third, and qualify for nationals.  

“The boys continued to make history by placing seventh at nationals,” said team advisor Daniel Shockley. “This is the first time both of our teams made top 10.”

Carson said the team was surprised to make it that far. 

“Midway through our assignment, there was an error that deleted Quinn’s work and forced us to rush to make up time,” he said. “We did not think we would place at all. But when we saw our name was called, we were all very excited and surprised.”

“We knew we were capable of doing well; we just needed to focus and manage our time,” Quinn added. “Our goal was to not finish last, so when we made top 10, it was so exciting.”

Kate also placed second in word processing, which she also earned last year, and Hannah Wells took fourth in word processing. Kate also placed 10th in business communications. 

“This is the first time that both of our finalists have made top 10,” Shockley said. “As a result of their tremendous efforts, Hannah Wells and Kate Dowd broke our chapter record by securing seven medals each.”

Kate said her goal was to place the same or higher than last year, so keeping her title felt like a huge accomplishment. 

“To be one the most awarded members is still a mind-blowing thought,” she said. “When I first started BPA, I wasn't sure where it would lead me, but the journey has been one that I hope to continue in high school. I'm very thankful for Dr. Shockley, my parents and teammates who helped make it possible.”

Hannah said she felt more than honored to be one of Mariner BPA’s most awarded members.

“Lots of determination was put into getting this title and it's finally paid off,” she said. “I cannot express how much appreciation I have to anyone who has helped me along the way, including my fellow BPA members and my amazing advisor, Dr. Shockley.”

Taking up word processing was a great decision, Hannah said.

“Using my free time, I practiced typing and formatting all the different documents to become successful in my new event,” she said. “After all the hard work, it feels amazing to have finished second at states and fourth in the country.”

Daisy Hughes became Mariner BPA’s most decorated seventh-grader with six medals, Shockley said, and Linley Draper became the team’s first member to win first in each of her individual/team events.

Making chapter history helped her feel very accomplished, Daisy said.

“It makes me want to keep working hard and continue, hopefully, winning next year,” she said. 

Isaac Stuart followed up his first-place finish in business mathematics at the state competition by earning third place in business fundamentals at nationals.

“When I first heard my name I was very surprised because I had expected to place in business math, the event I got to nationals for, but it was very exciting to get the award,” he said.

Pin trading was a fun pastime for students, as they worked to acquire the commemorative souvenirs. A delegation from China attended this year, and the China pin was highly sought after. 

Students did have some downtime and were able to explore the city, indulging in deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and beef sandwiches. The team celebrated Trizton Willey’s 14th birthday at a White Sox game, went on walking and double-decker bus tours, and enjoyed a Mother’s Day dinner with parents.

Shockley said he has been very fortunate to have had seven incredible cohorts, all of whom are unique and have made history, but the students of Cohort 7 are special. 

Teammates’ talents and dedication complemented each other, students knew when to challenge and support each other, and each member was equally strong individually as they were on a team, Shockley said.

“A big part of my heart will go with this group when they transition to high school,” Shockley said. “They are truly special. Truly irreplaceable. Next year will be a rebuilding year. With Daisy and Linley stepping into leadership roles, we will do our best to replicate the magic of Cohort 7.”