DECA members to compete at nationals in April
19 DECA members competed at the state conference. Members prepared for months in advance, writing papers and preparing presentations to earn their way to nationals.
The State Career Development Conference took place from March 4-6 in Overland Park, Kan.
19 people competed in the event and 12 made it to nationals which will be in Atlanta from April 21-24. In order to qualify for nationals, one must place in the top two for the written event.
“We took first place,” junior Kallie Leiker said. “We were pretty excited. We were all freaking out and shaking so bad, but when we got up there, we held hands. When everyone else was announced, we knew we got first place, and we couldn’t stop smiling.
“The experience was awesome, and I love my group, and my project, and I’m really excited to keep competing.”
Leiker competed against five other people, but many others competed against many more.
“(I competed against) nine groups,” junior Jacie Robinson said. “I did very well, I got second. I felt like I would have gotten fourth or fifth, not second.”
Robinson was the only one presenting, but others from the school partnered up for their project.
While most of those participating were juniors, seniors still worked their way to nationals.
“I’m very proud to be a part of the Hays High DECA chapter, not only for the accomplishments, but of the hard work every member has put into this year’s competition,” senior Lisa Schoenberger said. “I’m very humbled to have received the opportunity once again to travel to ICDC (International Career Development Conference). I feel like Kaitlyn and I are well-deserving after all the hard work we’ve put in these last seven months.”
Results of the State Career Development Conference:
Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan:
Senior Analyse Claude, 6th
International Business Plan:
Juniors Shyann Schumacher, Keaton Markley, Connor Olson, 3rd
Senior Alyssa Owens, 7th
Community Service Project:
*Juniors Kallie Leiker, Brianna Forinash, Isabelle Braun, 1st
Public Relations Project:
*Seniors Kaitlyn Schaben, Lisa Schoenberger, 1st
Hospitality and Tourism Operations:
*Junior Jacie Robinson, 2nd
Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations:
*Juniors Peyton Thorell, Connor Teget, senior Dennis Hordijk, 1st
Finance Operations:
*Juniors Abigail Dickinson, Ryan Hernandez, senior Ashtyn Toepfer, 1st
Top 10 roleplay 1, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism:
Senior Lucy Lin, 2nd
*Denotes qualification for international conference in April.
In addition to those who qualify for internationals, Schumacher was selected for the Ignite Leadership Academy.
19ibraun@usd489.com
Isabelle Braun is a senior who loves talking to new people and spending time with friends. She is very driven and plans to make her senior year the best...
