DECA students place at Districts

Aubrey Caruso/Staff Writer

DECA students took a variety of top spots in the district competition last week at Hawkeye Community College.

DECA competitions bring students together with business interests to compete through tests, role-plays and writing papers.

“The purpose is to give students a realistic look into marketing and the business world, to have students think on their feet in real business situations. I also strongly believe that it is a huge benefit to the students in creative thinking, communication with adults and business professionals, and just and overall great experience and situation for young adults to be put in,” DECA adviser Matt Flaherty said.

Students participated in many events such as marketing management, hospitality, restaurant marketing, retail, etc.

“It was my first time competing, so I didn’t know what to expect or how it goes, but I think I got the hang of it. I could improve on my management. This way I can get a little better feel for the business world,” senior Sam Jones said.

“Overall, I think the competition went well, especially since a great number of the students have not competed or experienced this before. I was pleased,” Flaherty said.

Many students noted that the event exposed them to aspects of the business world.
“I think I did well. I need to just be more confident with my answers and better on tests. It puts me in situations where I have to think on my feet and not have a lot of time to think about it. It simulates the organization of business for students,” junior Dylan Derry said.

Second placeholders:
The results for the event were as follows.
Mason Troendle-Marketing Management
Danan Block-Restaurant Marketing
Mike Bangtson and Dylan Deery- Buying and Merchandising Team

Third placeholders:
Mason Troendle-Marketing Test
Tyler Brewer-Retail Merchandising
Honorable mentions:
Alex Niner-Accounting Series
Makensie Smith-Marketing Management
Conner Brooks-Restaurant Marketing
Cameron Henry-Retail Merchandising
Colin Ashwood and Omeed Kashef-Buying and Merchandising Team
Matt Hart and Alex Entz-Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team

“I found some things I need to work on before State, but overall, I was happy with my performance,” junior Alexis Rokes said.
The DECA students will be competing at the state competition Feb. 22-23 in Des Moines to try and place for the national competition in late April in Anaheim, Calif.