WHS DECA Students Take Many Honors At Conference

Wellington High School DECA chapter members earned the organization’s highest honors at DECA’s 68th annual International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Ga., May 3-6.

Students/advisors receiving recognition at the international level were: Emily Deem (senior), Entrepreneurship Participating Independent Event, fifth place overall; Alvaro Chaux (senior), Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling, event finalist; Alvaro Chaux (senior), Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling, event finalist; Allen Moye (senior), Automotive Services Marketing, event finalist; Shannon Martin (senior), Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making, event finalist and recipient of a $3,000 scholarship from Vistar Corporation; and Breann Bricketto (junior), Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making, event finalist.

During the school year, approximately 120,000 of DECA’s 200,000 student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local and regional titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development. The top state and provincial winners put their talents to the test during the program’s final round of competition in Atlanta.

The DECA International Career Development Conference was the pinnacle of competition where nearly 10,000 students vied for international honors. Nearly $500,000 in scholarships and awards were presented to students and teachers for their achievements.

The opening session featured pro football and college football hall of fame inductee and entrepreneur Fran Tarkenton.

In addition to career-based competition, DECA members engaged in leadership academies and networking opportunities with over 60 internationally recognized businesses.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co- curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition.

To learn more about DECA, visit www.deca.org.