The world of business is known for being competitive. At the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) state conference, marketing students use competition to learn valuable business and leadership skills. This year, five students from Ridgefield High School were selected to compete at the state level in Bellevue, Washington.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. DECA events allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, problem solving, and presentation skills for judges who are business professionals. Winners can earn travel opportunities, awards, and scholarships.
The state DECA Career Development Conference is a big event, with nearly 60 events across a range of categories. RHS students Anushna Sharma and Prabhleen Mashiana competed in the category of Start Up Business Plan; Jack Radosevich and Ilianna Ikonomou competed in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making; and Beatriz Mardegan-Christofoletti competed in Principles of Business Management and Administration.
Andrea Reinertson is the DECA advisor and business marketing teacher at RHS, and she worked closely with RHS’ DECA members to prepare them for competition. DECA events give students a window into what it’s like to be a professional in the working world: leading presentations, making business pitches, and working together to find solutions. Their successful presentations give them not only a great experience at the DECA conference, but also helps them be college and career ready. Congratulations to these students for representing RHS in the DECA competition at state!