What started as a regular snow day turned into one of the most exciting moments of the year for Senior CVCC student Xavier Shumay.
Through Business Professionals of America (BPA), Shumay competed in the Digital Media Production event, where students create and present a 1–2 minute public service announcement. His PSA focused on encouraging teenagers to take an interest in technology, and it earned him 1st place at Regionals!
Although he didn’t find out in an auditorium surrounded by competitors. Instead, he found out while comfortable in bed.
“It was funny because we had a snow day the day the awards were announced,” Shumay said. While CVCC was closed, students from Twinsburg were still there for the ceremony. “My friends sent a picture in our group chat, and I found out I made it to states in my bed.” He immediately went to tell his mom, excited that he had placed first and qualified for States.
Advancing to the State competition meant heading to Columbus and taking his presentation even further. Unlike Regionals, States required him not only to show his video, but also to explain his pre-production and post-production process.
“That made me reflect on the nights I spent working, the ideas I had, and everything I edited,” he said. “It helped me realize what I had accomplished and what I learned along the way.”
According to his instructor, Tim Moore, Shumay took on the challenge mostly on his own.
“The project he chose to do was totally unrelated to his class here at CVCC,” Moore said, “Xavier took on this particular project strictly on his own initiative.” Moore added that he knows Shumay spent a great deal of time learning the technology needed to prepare for the competition.
The atmosphere in Columbus was something Shumay won’t forget. Students were dressed professionally, waiting for their turn to present, but still surrounded by friends going through the same experience.
“Five other students from my class made it,” Shumay said. “Being able to spend most of the event waiting with them made the experience amazing.”
Shumay believes one specific creative choice helped his project stand out, which is including an on-screen transcript that followed along with the audio in his video. Judges at Regionals specifically complimented it.
“I think it gave it a colorful aspect, while also giving the viewer a visual view of what is being said,” he explained.
Although the competition was exciting, it was also quite nerve-racking. Waiting hours to present for just 15 minutes tested his confidence greatly.
“I couldn’t believe how nervous I was,” he admitted. “But I sat there, relaxed, and told myself, ‘Just talk to them.’ By the time I was called in, I was ready.”
Balancing two jobs, school, and multiple BPA events made the process even more challenging. Still, the experience taught him something crucial.
“With hard work and dedication, anything I put my mind to is possible,” he said.
Moore also believes the experience is meaningful for the students who compete.
“I think it’s great that he expanded his horizons by attempting something entirely new to learn and compete,” Moore said. “It is a great honor to compete in Columbus at state competition. No doubt, the experience will be remembered for the rest of his life.”
While Shumay has always been interested in cybersecurity, especially the idea of stopping hackers in real time, this experience also gave him a new appreciation for video editing. What began as a way to improve his skills turned into a special trip across the state with his classmates.
One of his favorite moments wasn’t even during competition.
“When we got to our hotel after presenting, the pressure dropped,” he said. “That’s when I realized I did it. I finished my presentation with confidence.”
For students considering BPA next year, his advice is simple: “Try your best.”
“Deadlines seem far away,” he said. “But I realized I would be mad at myself for not trying enough. I won’t be mad at the success I could achieve.”
From finding out about his win through a group chat to presenting on the state stage, Shumay’s BPA journey made a memorable mark on his senior year.
