February 26th through March 1st fifty-one students took a trip to Greensboro, NC in which they competed for a spot in ICDC in April.
“It’s a really great opportunity for any student really,” said Sports and Event Marketing teacher, as well as DECA advisor, Olivia Fluharty. “Things such as public speaking and other things can be learned.”
DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. It is a club that is set to prepare students to become the next leaders in careers such as marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
“It was my first time going,” said sophomore Evagila Stathos “I enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot and can’t wait for next year.”
When people hear about DECA they often think, ‘Oh it’s a school trip where you have to take tests and dress all fancy. That doesn’t sound like much fun.’ Yet it’s quite the opposite. While yes you do have to take a few tests and do some educational things, they are quite enjoyable for the most part. Many people also enjoy playing dress up every now and then, DECA is a great place to do just that.
This year fifty-one students attended DECA states, which is a huge jump compared to the thirty-eight the year prior. There were also seventeen medalists compared to one last year. On top of all of that, eleven people will attend ICDC in April, eighth of those being Glass winners.
ICDC is the top place you can attend. Only seven people or teams per event from each state advanced. It’s like the final in a big sports tournament or where the top winners attend a talent show, it is the place to be.
“I was so hyped,” said junior Kyle Mccoy, Vice President of Finance. “The DECA Glass is coveted, everyone wants it.”
Mccoy took first place in his event of Business Service Marketing winning the Glass and three medals on top of that for top test score and two top role-plays. He is one of the eleven that will be heading to Orlando for ICDC, the only one from our school who got first is his event.
Other Glass Winners include
- Tucker Hamilton and Heriberto Vargas-Guapo who placed second in their event of Financial Services Team Decision Making
- Britain Bullock took sixth place in Business Service Marketing
- Nate Fish and C.J. Nelson took seventh place in Entrepreneurship Team Event
- Macey Long seventh place in Principles of Marketing
- Christoper Gomez seventh place in Retail Marketing
Overall there is a place for everyone to learn, grow, and have a great time in DECA. We wish all those who attend ICDC the best of luck as they continue to advance their DECA career.
