They donned their nicest dress clothes. They practiced eye contact and firm handshakes.  They put their most professional image forward and they kicked butt.  Six students from Bridgeport High School competed in the West Virginia State Career Development Conference DECA Competitions in hopes of advancing to the National Competition in Atlanta in May. All six qualified to attend.

 

DECA is a marketing organization at Bridgeport High School that boasts 40 members.  The international organization focuses on developing strong leadership skills, preparing students for careers in marketing and management, and encouraging students to participate in community service.  Throughout the year, the students practice for the state competitions, which include a 100 question test, an interview and a role play situation specific to the area in which they are participating.

 

Placing second in the state, May Dang, T.J. Werdebaugh, and Sammy Jesmer competed in the Entrepreneurship Innovation Written Event.  They created a business plan for an invention and presented it to the judges, who advised them to apply for a patent.  Maggie Harris placed first in the state in the Marketing Services event and was a finalist for the WV DECA Scholarship Award.  Raina Young, Hayleigh Mardos and Maggie Harris all won first in the state for the Virtual Business Challenge. Dominique Kelley and Haleigh Mardos competed in Business Communications. 

 

 Because of community service performed earlier in the year, three of the competitors have already earned a spot at the International Thrive Leadership Academy at National Competition.  The team also won an award for their Membership Campaign. Maggie Harris, May Dang and Dominique Kelley all won the Emerging Leader Honor Awards, given for proven efforts in leadership and community service.

 

DECA provides the opportunity to earn over $300,000 in scholarships and network with many of its corporate partners, including Finish Line, Journeys and JCPenney.  The state competition took place March 9-10 in Charleston at the Marriott Hotel.  In addition to the competitive events, students were also treated to entertainment and opportunities to meet students from schools around the state. 

 

Bridgeport High School DECA is the largest new chapter of DECA in the state and have been honored for their community service efforts, leadership, and participation.  National competition will take place May 3-6 in Atlanta, Georgia and will feature national country performances, a tour of CNN, a day behind the scenes at an amusement park and optional excursions.  Internship opportunities with DECA’s 68 National Sponsors are also available to winners at the national level.

 

Any individual or business that would like to help sponsor students for the trip may contact them at bridgeportdeca@gmail.com.