Texas Business Professionals of America (BPA) award 26 scholarships to outstanding students in the BPA program. Students who qualify must submit a resume, an article, letter of recommendation and then a video response to a list of questions. Diego Barahona, senior at Lufkin High School, was one of the 26 chosen to receive this prestigious scholarship, the Career Technology Association of Texas (CTAT) Scholarship.

“As a freshman I took BIM and discovered that I was very talented in using different Microsoft applications such as Access and Excel,” said Diego. “That’s when Mrs. Stephens told me I should join BPA to show off my skills.”

And skills he has. He was a state qualifier this year in Admins Support Team and Database Application. Last year as a junior he won first place in Database Applications at the BPA National Leadership Conference in Dallas. Diego has enjoyed his BPA journey and not just for the accolades.

“I’ve learned communication skills, how to lead and help people in difficult situations, and how to be a successful business professional,” he said.

Diego’s scholarship money will come in handy while he attends Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall with plans to get a master’s degree in accountancy.

“I cannot recommend BPA enough,” he said. “I’ve made friends that will stick with me, able to achieve personal notoriety (scholarship and winning nationals) and have a community I will always be welcomed in past high school.”

Along with BPA, Diego is involved in Lufkin Panther Band, robotics, TAFE, Academic UIL (Accounting), Model UN, National Honor Society and Panther Growls.

PHOTO BY: ANDY ADAMS/Lufkin ISD