Music City welcomed six Bridgeport High School students this week as they competed in the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) for DECA.  The group qualified for the conference by placing among the top students in the state in marketing and finance competitions in March.  Nearly 18,000 students from all 50 states and nine countries emerged on Nashville for the five day conference, which included competitions, training, touring and more.

 

DECA is an international student-led organization for students pursuing careers in marketing, finance, management, hospitality and entrepreneurship.  Their focus is to prepare emerging leaders by helping them to be academically prepared for college, community oriented, professionally responsible and develop strong leadership skills.  The students have the opportunity to participate at the local school level, as well as compete in state competitions that include numerous events in career fields in business. 

 

Bridgeport’s first-ever state DECA officer, Emily Griffith, played a pivotal role in the trip as she and the state leadership team assisted with organizational duties and participated in every aspect of the conference.  Griffith competed in Personal Financial Literacy, which included testing and a role-play scenario. 

 

Jake Runner, Tanner Cava and Brent Sinsel all competed in the Financial Promotion Plan event.  The written event required a 30-page project in addition to a presentation.  The three BHS sophomores created a financial literacy plan to be implemented in middle and high school settings that had a basketball theme to increase interest.  “Nothin’ But Net (Worth)” was presented to a series of judges at the International Career Development Conference.

 

Brook Russell and Gia Salentro both participated in the Thrive Leadership Academy.  They learned teamwork and leadership skills that will benefit them in their future careers and had the opportunity to work with people from all over the world. 

 

While in Nashville, the group went to the Nashville Zoo, Opryland Hotel, and the American Pickers store.  They also saw a Craig Morgan concert at the Grand Ole Opry and attended a Nashville Sounds baseball game while in town.  Conference activities involved networking opportunities, leadership activities and nationally known keynote speakers.  West Virginia University promoted their DECA chapter at the conference as well.