Former BPA student moves to the front of the class and wins national recognition.
THEN: Central Technology Center offered the Stroud High School student a chance to learn skills he thought he would use after graduation, and he jumped at the opportunity. Cody Gervasi enrolled in Central Tech’s business and computer technology program and joined Business Professionals of America, the CareerTech student organization affiliated with business, marketing and information technology education programs.
Gervasi excelled in BPA, serving as state president, national secondary parliamentarian and national postsecondary parliamentarian. He won awards at both the state and national level. In his CareerTech classes and in BPA, Gervasi
- Learned time management, conflict resolution and organizational skills.
- Gained leadership skills, which contributed to his success in CTSO elections.
- Developed skills in accounting and technology.
- Received certifications including Microsoft Office specialist, accounts receivable and Brainbench.
“I use nearly all of these skills every single day with students,” he said.
NOW: Gervasi is not only using what he learned, he is teaching it. The Stroud High School graduate attended Oklahoma State University – Institute of Technology, Tulsa Community College, Oklahoma State University and Southern Nazarene University, landing a job at Yukon Public Schools as a business instructor and BPA adviser.
At this year’s virtual BPA conference in Washington, D.C., Gervasi was named National BPA Emerging Advisor of the Year. He serves as national alumni secretary for BPA.
“I love that CareerTech always puts the students first,” Gervasi said. “Their programs connect future employees with industry partners, and they help students understand the needs of a modern workplace.”
