Three teams representing Trumbull Career & Technical Center captured first- and second-place honors at the 2026 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference, which took place May 6-10 in Nashville, Tennessee.

BPA is one of the nation’s premier career and technical student organizations, serving more than 52,000 members across the country. BPA prepares students for successful careers in business management, information technology and related fields through competitions, events, leadership opportunities, and real-world professional experiences.

“These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students and instructors,” said Rachel Gensburg, program supervisor. “Representing TCTC on a national stage and earning top honors among the best students in the country is an incredible achievement.”

TCTC students advanced to the national competition after demonstrating achievement at the regional and state levels. Their success reflects not only technical knowledge and workplace readiness, but also the professionalism, leadership and communication skills that are critical in today’s workforce.

At the national conference, students competed in a variety of business and technology-related events alongside top qualifiers from across the United States. During the national awards ceremony, TCTC students earned the following honors:

First place — Video Production Team: Keira Fasser, Lakeview High School; Trent Halowell, Howland High School; Maurissa Keeney, Maplewood High School; and Kierstin Richoz, Girard High School.

Second place — Virtual Multimedia and Promotion Team: Jaxson Bell, Niles McKinley High School; Maurissa Keeney, Maplewood High School; Austin Merriman, Howland High School; and Kierstin Richoz, Girard High School.

Second place — 2D Computer Animation Team: Harry Karam, Champion High School; Miciah Lampley, Warren G. Harding High School; Nathan Lenart, Bloomfield High School; and Landon Primus, Champion High School

Fifth place — Virtual Multimedia Individual: Austin Merriman, Howland High School

Sixth place — Visual Design Team: Sara Geilhard, Mathews High School; Allison Henderlight, Champion High School; and Julianna Midcap, Bristol High School.

Eighth place — Software Engineering Team: Logan Carroll, Newton Falls High School; Anthony Chiasson, Niles McKinley High School; and Jaiden Gillespie, Warren G. Harding High School.

Ninth place — User Experience Design Team: Marley Leskovec, Girard High School; Logan Mills, Howland High School; Antonio Sagnimeni, Howland High School; and Addie Sanders, Hubbard High School.

National finalist — Podcast Production Team: Samantha Brown, Warren G. Harding High School; Raegan Samuels, Joseph Badger High School; Joseph Whittaker, Warren G. Harding High School; and Chloe Williams, Niles McKinley High School.

TCTC also had six Business Professionals of America Torch Ambassador Award winners. The award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, professionalism, and personal growth throughout their BPA experience.

Those students include Maurissa Keeney, Maplewood High School; Landon Lane, Joseph Badger High School; Julianna Midcap, Bristol High School; Marshall Morris, Lakeview High School; Kierstin Richoz, Girard High School; and Ethan Vestorsky, Mineral Ridge High School