DECA State

Throughout Tuesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 5, the Plainfield High School DECA Chapter competed in the state-wide competition, and several students received awards: Seniors Max Mantooth and Danny Badesha were top ten finalists for Marketing Management; Juniors Vini Westermann Villwock and Zach Marsh were top ten finalists for Hospitality Services Team; Sophomore Gavin McKeon received a competency medallion in the Human resources event; JuniorR.E Daum placed 6th overall and received a competency medallion for the Sports and Entertainment Series event.

"DECA is a club for students who are interested in the business field. There is a long list of different events you can sign up to compete in, they can either be individual or partner events," said senior Molly Nichols. "We have three major events with DECA. The first is Districts at Brownsburg. If you place the top eight there, then you move on to State. If you place top four at State, you then get to go to Nationals."

Photo by Norman Wagner

Not only does DECA teach business-related skills, but it is also a place where students can grow their soft skills of speech and communication. "DECA is beneficial because it teaches you professionalism at an age that is starting to become very important," said Nichols. "It also develops speaking skills since you do have to present an idea in front of one or two judges. Overall, it gives you a great range of skills."

Though Nichols competed in an individual competition, she explained that she still had a wonderful time. "My favorite DECA memory is at State when we had to walk up 20 flights of stairs with our suitcases to get to our hotel rooms because the elevator line was too long," said Nichols. "To anyone thinking about joining DECA, I think you should join because there is such an amazing community of smart-minded people in this club who are so welcoming and kind. The club itself is so beneficial for your future too and teaches you so many important skills."

Story by Tiba Altower