[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Junior Asad Sayani recently advanced to nationals in extemporaneous speaking after finishing second place at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) state competition.

“I was pretty excited [when I made nationals,]” Sayani said. “I thought hard work had paid off. It put a little joy in my heart. I think BPA helped me take the next step to see what I can do in college and later. [It] gave me the opportunity to excel and maybe to make new networking connections with a lot of influential people. It’s really amazing what the club can do and the opportunities that it can provide.”

Sayani will not be able to attend the national competition due to a scheduling conflict with AP tests this year. Sayani expects to train with extra vigor next year to have the same accomplishment and have the opportunity to go to nationals.

“Asad is a self-motivated individual who will do well without little or any guidance that is needed,” BPA advisor Ellery Smith said. “I just provided the transportation, the information, but Asad provided the motivation.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]