Members of the Watauga DECA Club
DECA is a marketing and business club where students take on the role of a professional marketer and face certain business problems. On February 22 through February 25, the club went to a state competition in Greensboro NC where the members competed against DECA clubs from different schools for awards.
During the state trip, competitors perform a “role play” where they are presented with possible obstacles to their business in front of a panel of judges.
Senior Lucas McIver is a member of DECA and participated in the Sports and Entertainment category at states.
“You get a few minutes to prepare a creative solution before you sit in front of a judge and talk through your ideas,” said McIver. “There is no right or wrong answer and no pressure because you can end your presentation whenever you feel done.”
While competing was a big part of the experience, preparing for states was also a vital part of the competition.
Senior Sophia Bateman is also part of DECA and took part in the Food and Marketing category while also being a voting delegate, meaning she was able to vote on the new state representatives.
“As a part of the preparation and a required part of the competition, every DECA competitor must take a 100-question test that factors into their final score at the competition,” said Bateman.
Although a lot of the event included competing, there were also educational seminars while getting to visit the mall in between the busy schedule.
Sophomore Maggie Barnes is a DECA member who participated in the Hotel and Lodging Management category while running for DECA Blue Ridge Vice President.
“The seminars and classes were informational and interactive to teach students more about the desired topic,” Barnes said.
The students found the experience worth the time away from school.
“Between competing in our events or hanging out at the Four Seasons Mall, there were countless activities for an overall enjoyable experience,” said Bateman. “Every night there was a session honoring advisors, scholarship winners, and of course the placements from the competition itself.”
While at the competition Watauga was able to get a few awards as well.
“I won 3rd place in Hotel and Lodging Management, Drew Jasper won 3rd place in Automotive Services, Arden Jackson won 4th place in Personal Financial Literacy, and many other students received top test scores, top role plays, and were overall finalists. While winning DECA glass!” Barnes stated.
People who attended DECA all agree that states were a wonderful and beneficial experience for all students.
“I definitely benefited from competing at the state competition! I gained more confidence in myself, and learned what I need to improve on,” said Barnes.
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