GREENVILLE — Greenville High School’s (GHS) Career – Tech Supply Chain Management Program was able to keep the traveling regional trophy this year for the most money earned for Darke County Special Olympics, in Region 3, Business Professionals of America Ohio (BPA).
The victory was announced during the BPA Regional Awards Presentation, Tuesday, Jan. 31, at St. Clair Memorial Hall, in Greenville. According to Carrie Wiant, BPA adviser, a total of $136.78 was collected for the charity, of which $68.05 came from GHS.
BPA is the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields. The primary purpose of the professional membership is to provide continuing service and support to BPA through educational, financial, and professional assistance.
BPA, Ohio consists of 19 regions. Region 3 includes: Greenville High School, Franklin Monroe High School, Milton Union High School, Mississinawa Valley High School, Valley View High School, Wayne High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center.
Supply Chain Management Teacher Dara Buchy said they do everything to keep the trophies in-house. They actually have two trophies – one regional and one state. They will find out at the State Leadership Conference, March 16 and 17, if they get to keep the state trophy. To remind the students of their previous success, Buchy has over-sized checks, for the last two years, hanging on her classroom wall. Last year, the students raised $6,033 and the year before they raised $7,082.
The idea for the Special Olympics fundraiser came from a team of students, who came up with a presentation for the Regionals called “The Night in Hollywood.” Buchy suggested they turn the idea into a live event.
“So, here we are,” she said. “If we keep raising the same amount of money each year, it almost doubles our Darke County budget. We don’t give this money to the national or state levels, it goes right here to our own Special Olympians.”
Buchy said many folks have come through the Supply Chain Management program that participate in Special Olympics. The event is unique, in that it is not athletically focused. The students want to showcase the artistic side of the Special Olympians. It allows them to draw, create, and to design items that are put into the event’s silent auction. They are also able to get on stage, where they can sing and dance and engage in activities in which, to them, opportunities are not always afforded.
“We are pretty proud of that,” she said. “Every part of what happens will be a direct reflection on what the students do.”
In addition to the Greenville Wavaires a new featured musical group to perform at the event this year, is the Mississinawa Valley Taiko Drummers. Buchy said it is important to integrate all of the schools in some way. Also, most of the alumni come back for the event.
“Because it is just something – it makes you feel good,” she said. ”Thus far, the money we have raised, has enabled the Darke County Special Olympics to start new summer camps for Special Olympians. This year, we are hoping to raise just as much, or even more.”
The third annual “A Night in Hollywood” will take place Saturday, March 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the GHS gymnasium. The event costs $5 at the door. For more information, contact Dara Buchy at [email protected] or 937-564-8211.