Business Professionals of America Inc. (BPA) is proud to announce that Vickie Thomas has received the first-ever Lifetime Dedication Award from the organization’s National Center.

Ms. Thomas is a recognized leader who exudes dedication, passion, enthusiasm, commitment and selflessness to the organization she has dedicated more than 25 years. She has positively affected thousands of students and advisors not only within her home state of Texas, but across the country by committing herself to building and growing many programs, services and events. She has participated in many of the organization’s milestones, including the evolution of the organization from the Office Education Association (OEA) into what is now Business Professionals of America (BPA).

Ms. Thomas’ contributions cover a broad spectrum across BPA and are not limited in scope. She has been pivotal in the growth and expansion of the organization’s keystone Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP), help launch the Virtual Competitive Events program, served as Chair of the Board, Interim Executive Director, Director of Education and Associate Director of Education. She has impacted thousands of students and educators many of whom she remains in contact with and continues to support and inspire.

“Vickie has been a shining star for the organization and a dedicated servant leader,” said Executive Director Dr. LouAnn Ross. “She has been generous with her time and her talent and her commitment to the students and the mission has been unmatched. It has been my pleasure and my privilege to work with her and I can say on behalf of everyone at BPA she will be missed more than words can express.”

After dedicating a significant part of her life to BPA, Ms. Thomas has decided the time is right for retirement and is now looking forward to spending time with her family, supporting and cheering on her grandchildren as they achieve success in their lives, and enjoying time on her family farm.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate Vickie Thomas on this special recognition for her many years of dedicated service to BPA and Career & Technical Education,” said National BPA Chair of the Board Cedric Bandoh. “Her impact will be felt for generations and our organization is better for her leadership and care of our members. Vickie was my state advisor as a student member in Texas and I can attest the positive impact she had on thousands of students, including myself, under her leadership of the state association. I wish Vickie all the best in her much deserved retirement.”

The Lifetime Dedication Award was established to recognize an individual who has performed an outstanding service and accomplishment, and has devoted his or her professional life to the improvement of BPA. Through this award, it is the goal of the National Center to shine a spotlight on an individual whose track record of excellence and service to Business Professionals of America is undeniable.

“We can think of no one better than Vickie Thomas to recognize with the first ever Lifetime Dedication Award,” said Dr. Ross. “To continue honoring Vickie for all she has done, and what she has meant to our organization, moving forward, this award will be known as the Vickie Thomas Lifetime Dedication Award.”

“Receiving this award is an amazing capstone to my career with BPA,” said Thomas. “I have enjoyed the many years I have been involved with this organization. From meeting and working with such a great staff to the many advisors and students I have had the opportunity to know, it has been a great honor and my sincere pleasure.”