DECA students participated in the Virginia State Leadership conference in Norfolk from March 9-11.
The DECA club focuses on integrating educational and leadership development into the classroom. The qualities learned in the classroom can then be applied to the workforce.
The South Lakes DECA chapter received accolades for their accomplishments in the categorized events, which include team decision making events and individual events. These categories are comprised of specific marketing types, including sports and entertainment marketing and hotel and lodging management.
In each competition, students were required to pass a written test, conducted before the conference, and perform a role-playing session. To succeed in these competitions, students had to be well-versed in marketing terminology.
19 students traveled to the conference, and 11 of them were semi-finalists in their respective categories.
Four students were finalists in their competitions and qualified for the DECA International Career Development Conference, the highest level of competition, which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah from April 28- May 1.
Senior Nathan Vellayan placed in the hotel lodging series. He is excited to visit the area which he has never visited before.
“I’ve never been to Salt Lake City, so that’s going to be a cool experience to have the opportunity to meet the people and experience the town,” said Vellayan.
Seniors Edward Fahey and Connor McMillan received recognition in the entrepreneurship written event.
McMillan will not be able to attend the conference, however he appreciates the honor.
“I have IB exams to prepare for and the cost is expensive,” said McMillan. “I’m still honored to receive such recognition at the state level.
Senior Kevin Gray placed in the automotive services series category and is thrilled to compete at the national level.
“I’m excited because after three years of state competitions I’m finally going to nationals,” said Gray. “It’s a cool opportunity in DECA because you’re solving real world problems in a controlled setting.”
Students dedicated many hours to preparing for the conference says marketing instructor and DECA sponsor Darlene Ricks. She is especially proud of their efforts.
“Marketing students compete all over the world,” said Ricks.
“Veteran students have made it before so I believe these students have the chance to make it on the stage. We’re most excited because there is a chance to win money and to be able to compete with Puerto Rican, Hawaiian, and Canadian students.”
