Plainfield DECA went to their State competition from March 5 through March 7. Students that placed in the Top 10 of their category at Regionals had the chance to compete with other students from all over the state. Students who placed in the Top 4 of their category will advance to the DECA international Competition in Orlando, Florida, where they will compete against DECA members from all around the world from April 22-25.
Going to the international competition this year are senior Mikayla Routh, who earned 4th place for Hotel and Lodging Management and a competency medallion. Also, as a team, senior Zach Fossmeyer and Kate Simek will be competing, after winning 3rd place for travel and tourism.
“I believe that DECA will help me for the future by taking concepts I’ve used in the classroom, along with soft skills and creativity, and applying it to a real-world situation that I could run into later in life,” said Fossmeyer. “I believe that my presentation skills and overall ability to speak my ideas have significantly increased, therefore allowing for greater success in communication in general.”
Students that also received awards at the DECA State competition are junior Nolan Purvis, who received a competency medallion and 3rd place for his product service management role play; senior Natalie Restivo, who participated in the Hotel and Lodging Management Series Event and received a competency medallion and 1st place market planning concepts; sophomore R.E. Daum, who participated in the Sports and Entertainment Series Event and received a competency medallion, 3rd place selling concepts and 6th place overal; and freshman Gavin McKeon participated in Business Management and Administration and received 6th place for his event.
“People should join DECA because DECA is not just a place to compete and strive in a business setting, but also a place to meet people and gain confidence among yourself and your peers,” said Fossmeyer.
Story by Sri Nattam