The Penta-AW chapter of DECA was represented by 48 students at the state level of competition on March 8-9. More than half of the students made it to the state finals and 10 have earned the opportunity to present their work on the international stage in April.
Traveling to Anaheim, California to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference are:
First Place: Sammy Rodriguez and Evan Stigall, Business Law & Ethics Team
Second Place: Grant Przybylski, Automotive Services Marketing Series
Second Place: Catessa Hires, Quick Service Restaurant Management Series
Third Place: Ian Pulhuj, Personal Finance Literacy Event
Fourth Place: Grace Baumgartner and Lauren Huffman, Entrepreneurship Team
Fifth Place: Will Luther, Accounting Series
Fifth Place: Cooper Borowski and Landon Gates, Marketing Management Team
"An interesting fact about this group of students is that Sammy and Even won first place two years in a row in the same event," said Becky Stutz, chapter advisor and business & marketing instructor at Anthony Wayne High School."In 31 years of teaching, I've never had a team win first place two years in a row. DECA is highly competitive, so it is really amazing that they did it twice!"
Earning special recognition for the chapter was Ashlyn Shafer. She placed second in the Public Relations Officer Competition. While an incredible honor, only those who place first in the officer competition advance to internationals.
In addition to the competitive events and conference sessions, students will visit theme parks and tour Hollywood, Beverly Hills and other California landmarks.
DECA is a student leadership organization that promotes professionalism and career development. The organization’s competition programs align with the career clusters of hospitality and tourism, marketing, business management and administration, and finance. The prompts challenge students to engage in realistic business scenarios to solve problems and advance the goals of the client. Participation in DECA empowers students to be future ready by helping them build knowledge and skills, while encouraging critical thinking, collaboration and communication.
The AWHS chapter of DECA is a satellite program of Penta Career Center.