NAMPA -- When students in Business Professionals of America elected their state president this year, they didn't know his age.

The more than 1,200 high school members at the state convention chose Vallivue sophomore Kevin Tucker, making him one of the youngest state presidents in Idaho's history. And next year he plans to campaign for a national office.

Shari Webster, assistant adviser for the Vallivue program, said that is typical for Tucker.

"This student is absolutely driven," Webster said. "He's just a little bit ahead of his time, but he's able to handle it."

Tucker also placed first against all competitors at the state contest for legal office procedures.

Webster said she tried to dissuade him from entering the event because she knew nothing about the subject, and wouldn't be able to offer much help.

"I feel guilty about it now," Webster said. "He got on the Internet. He bought a book. I gave him sample exams."

And he won.

"I used a legal dictionary," Tucker said, explaining that the competition requires students to draft legal documents such as a power of affidavit. "They grade you on send-ability."

Tucker said the best part of winning the contest and being elected state president is the visibility it brings to the Vallivue club.

"My goal is to let more people know what BPA is, getting more community involvement," Tucker said. "It's one of the best student organizations."

Tucker said Business Professionals of America helps students build skills necessary for success in business with a focus on community partnerships.

Part of his job as state president includes working with other officers to create a statewide community service project.

"I'd like to do something with the Special Olympics," Tucker said.

And the student officers will plan and preside over next year's state convention.

"We've started to throw around ideas for the theme," Tucker said. "I have to make a script for everyone, what we're going to say."

Webster said that won't be a problem for Tucker.

"He has every single ingredient for a successful leader," Webster said. "His responsibilities are awesome, but he can do it."

Find more at the Idaho Press-Tribune.