Starting a Legacy of Leadership, WEHS Sophomore Makes History

Singing in front of hundreds of people is second nature to Nathaniel Jacob, but giving a speech in front of an audience of his peers? Intimidating. Yet, Jacob said he wouldn't trade the experience for anything because it is the beginning of building his legacy at Wylie East High School.

“Leaving a legacy is not necessarily having an immensely impactful moment, but something small like being a nice person in general,” Jacob said. “That will help build the legacy around BPA so that if someone hears about BPA, it encourages them to think -- I could do that also.”

After an intense election process, the WEHS sophomore is the first-ever WEHS student to secure a state officer position in Business Professionals of America.

“The journey so far has given me more confidence,” Jacob said. “I’m eager to get started in this role and share my passion for leadership with others.”

The election process begins with members submitting applications to the Texas BPA State Board, where they are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership experience, and responses to interview questions.

“From there, only the top 15 candidates in the state advanced to the next round,” WEHS BPA Advisor James Hood said.

Jacob was one of these finalists who took the stage at the State Leadership Conference, delivering a live campaign speech and engaging directly with student-voting delegates from across Texas during a campaign rally.

“Other BPA members from other chapters ask you about why you’re running, your experiences, and even fun things just to get to know you as a person,” Jacob said.

After meeting the candidates and hearing their vision for BPA, the delegates voted for those they believed would best represent their interests. The top seven vote-getters earn a state officer position.

After tirelessly campaigning and a long day of waiting, Jacob was called on stage at the BPA State Leadership Conference, where he learned that he is the new 2025-26 BPA State Sergeant at Arms.

Jacob, who was also recently selected for the prestigious Texas Music Educator Association’s All-State Choir, is pursuing a career path in business management and marketing.

“I knew I wanted to do something in business ending my eighth-grade year,” Jacob said. “Marketing campaigns and research really interest me. I was drawn to the creativity of it.”

Jacob’s legacy at WEHS may begin with being the first-ever state-elected officer, but he doesn’t want it to stop there.

“The legacy I want to leave in BPA is that I'm a person willing to take risks,” he said. “I want to push people to get out of their comfort zone. I've already talked to other members about running for officer. I want to be the guy that encourages them to do it. I tell them, ‘Even if you don’t want to be engaged in [the] chapter, you can still be a leader, even if not in a leadership role.’ I want to imprint on them to always be reliable.”

Last year, Jacob ran for a regional officer position and didn’t earn a spot. That didn’t stop him. From the WEHS chapter historian, he skipped serving as a regional officer and went straight to becoming a state BPA officer.

He was feeling down when he didn’t earn a regional officer position. Hood stepped in and offered advice that motivated Jacob to keep pursuing leadership opportunities.

“Mr. Hood encouraged me to run for state officer and take the risk,” Jacob said. “The only thing to lose is not getting it. I was excited to run for something new.”

Hood said that what sets Nathan apart is his drive, ability to connect with others, and clear vision for the future of BPA.

“His leadership, natural charisma, and commitment to service helped him stand out in a very competitive election process,” Hood said. “Nathan is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, leadership, and a passion for helping others. He is highly engaged in the classroom, always eager to learn, and actively supports his peers when they need guidance.”

Jacob plans to continue building his own personal legacy in marketing.

“As of now, I’d like to work for a top marketing agency,” he said. “I am really interested in the creativity aspect of it.”

Jacob lists his mother, Leena Jacob, his marketing teacher, Melanie Fuller, and Hood as those who have had an impact on his future plans.

“I am extremely grateful for all of them,” he said.

Nathan did not just earn a first-ever state officer title; he started a legacy.

“As the first-ever BPA State Officer from Wylie ISD, he is paving the way for future students to aim higher and seek leadership roles beyond the local chapter level,” Hood said. “His election marks the beginning of increased representation for our school and community at the state level. However, Nathan isn’t stopping here—his next goal is to run for a National BPA Executive Council position, further solidifying his impact and inspiring others to pursue leadership in BPA. His journey is setting a precedent, showing students that with determination and hard work, they too can achieve great things. And the most incredible part? He's only a sophomore!”

Jacob isn’t stopping at the state level. He plans to run for a national BPA officer role in Orlando this May. We wish him the best of luck!

I’m proud to be in Wylie ISD.

--Nathan Jacob, WEHS Class of 2027