Way back in February, the MVAOCOU Business Professionals of America (BPA) members traveled to Des Moines to attend and to compete in the annual State Leadership Conference. The students participated in various business-related competitions throughout the conference. Those who placed in the top five of each category earned the right to compete once again, this time at the national conference. Five of the Ram students have been patiently waiting for May to arrive to compete one more time, this time at the National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN. The national conference will be held next week. While MVAOCOU has had BPA members advance to Nationals in the past, this year is sending Rams who have not experienced the competition which will include students from other states. None of those who have advanced have been to Nationals before.
    "I'm so proud of this group," stated BPA Sponsor Angie Sass. "This is the first time qualifying for Nationals for all of these students. I am certain they will represent our school well in Nashville!"
    Senior Jaiden Boyle (daughter of Kim and Paul Boyle of rural Correctionville) has been a BPA member all four years of her high school career and has competed in the state conference each year. Her experience and lots of practice gave her the confidence to earn a trip to Tennessee to compete in Advanced Word Processing.
    "I was pretty confident about making it to nationals," she confirmed. "I've done lots of practice tests."
    Sophomore Claire Schumacher (daughter of Amy and Nick Schumacher of Charter Oak), was in her second year in the organization and didn't expect to continue to Nationals in Advance Spreadsheet Applications.
    "It was a surprise to me that I made it to Nationals because I was not very confident," said Claire, "but I was very grateful when I found out I made it! I am preparing for my competition by staying positive and going over past tests."
    Jenna Rosener (daughter of Angie and John Rosener of Mapleton) is no stranger to placing at the state conference, but this is the first year to venture out of the state for BPA.
    "I placed in the Top 10 in two events last year at state conference. You have to place in the Top 5 to advance to Nationals, so I didn't make the cut," Jenna explained. "It was a great experience, though, and motivated me to try even harder this year."
    Jenna, a sophomore at MVAOCOU, added that the previous year's experience did help her with her competitions this year.
    "I felt more confident this year because I had a better understanding of what to expect," she said. My hard work paid off because I received 4th place in Advanced Word Processing and 5th place in Advanced Office Systems and Procedures. Mrs. Sass does a great job preparing us for conferences by holding several weekend study sessions where she has us complete practice tests and worksheets."
    Sophomore Keely Weber (daughter of Katie and Jeremy Weber of Danbury) gives her mom part of the credit for going to Nationals in Database Application.
    "I didn't think I would make it, but Mom said to put myself in a good mindset and I will be just fine," she said. She added that she studied Database Application which added to her confidence.
    Sophomore Ben Meseck (son of Amy and Josh Meseck of Charter Oak) is new to BPA, so he didn't have previous personal experience in the mechanics of the contests. Still, he took on two different topics and placed in the top 5 in one.
    "I advanced to Nationals in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications," he said. Out of my two competitions, I was much more confident about Fundamental Spreadsheets."
    While the group is going to Nashville for the conference which will be held May 5th through the 9th, they are also planning to experience other parts of the city during their stay.
    "I'm looking forward to all of the activities that are planned for when we get there," said Jaiden.
    "I'm really excited to go to Nashville and am thankful for this wonderful opportunity," added Jenna.
    "I am looking forward to seeing all of the different states at our competitions, as well as getting to tour Nashville with all the other members attending with me," commented Claire.
    Being a little more specific, Keely said she is looking forward to "going to the Grand Ole Opry and placing."
    Ben had a different take on the trip to Tennessee.
    "I am looking forward to not being at school and talking to new people," he said.
    If a student was considering becoming a BPA member, Boyle had a bit of advice.
    "If someone was considering joining BPA next year, I would tell them to go for it because even if you don't advance, it's still a great experience," she exclaimed.
    Congratulations to the group, and good performance to you all at Nationals.
    A picture of all who attended and competed at the State BPA Convention can be found in this issue.

    Sioux City, IA — Woodbury County's campgrounds, cabins, restrooms, and shelters will officially open for public use on Friday, May 1, 2026. Parks opening that day include Brown's Lake–Bigelow Park and Snyder Bend Park near Salix, Southwood Conservation Area and Fowler Forest Preserve near Smithland, and Little Sioux Park near Correctionville.
    To celebrate the start of camping season, the Woodbury County Conservation Department will host a Camping Kickoff Weekend May 1–3 at Brown's Lake–Bigelow Park, Little Sioux Park, Snyder Bend Park, and Southwood Conservation Area. Registered campers who check in on Friday, May 1, will receive that night free! The free night is valid only on May 1, cannot be used on any other date, and is subject to campsite availability on a first-come, first-served basis. (Please note that cabin rentals are not included in this promotion.)
    Swimming beaches at Brown's Lake and Little Sioux Park are scheduled to open at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 23. These beaches are unstaffed and do not have lifeguards on duty. Both beaches also feature concession stands offering snack and beverage items, limited camping supplies, and kayak, paddleboard & pedal boat rentals.
    Cabins are available for rent at Snyder Bend Park, Little Sioux Park, and Southwood Conservation Area. Enclosed shelters are available for rent at Brown's Lake-Bigelow Park and Little Sioux Park. Cabin and enclosed shelter reservations can be made at www.woodburyparks.org.
    New This Year! Beginning July 15, 2026, campsite reservations and payments will be made online through MyCountyParks.com. To streamline the process for everyone, in-person payments – including cash or checks – will no longer be accepted at park offices or campgrounds. Any site not reserved in advance will still be available for same-day booking online, whether from the comfort of home or when pulling up to the campsite.
    Please note: Camping coupon books will no longer be offered. All existing coupons must be used by July 14, 2026, as they will not be compatible with the new online payment system.
    The conservation board encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy their local county parks this year. In addition to the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, the board manages more than 6,000 acres offering a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. For more information, contact the conservation board office at 712-258-0838 or visit www.woodburyparks.org.

    Next week the gym at Danbury Catholic will fill plants for patrons who ordered through Danbury Catholic School. Those patrongs will be able to pick out their plants.
    For the Ida Grove location, plant pickup is Thursday, May 7th, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Center.
    For Danbury, pickup is Friday, May 8th from 7:00 a.m. to noon and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Catholic School gym.
    Didn't order plants but want some? Extra plants will be available to sale at both locations.