This year, Randolph Technical Center DECA adviser Stefanie Ogden had five out of seven students win at DECA state competitions in Charleston.
The Randolph Technical Center had two first-place winners in the travel and tourism team, Rachel Vanscoy and Tyler Wilson; a second-place winner in principles of finance, Bobby Channell; two second-place winners in the community service project, Andrea Warner and Morgan Scott; one third-place winner in the written entrepreneurship event, Brittany Crossman; and one fourth-place winner in business services, Ryan Miller.
All first- and second-place winners will go on to compete in the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The Randolph Technical Center DECA Chapter is committed to helping students develop skills and competencies for marketing careers, building self-esteem, experiencing leadership and practicing community service.
West Virginia DECA prepares students with interests in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship with a pathway for success in the global economy.
In West Virginia alone there are 19 DECA chapters. Each year, these DECA members compete at the state level to find out who goes to the International Career and Development Conference.
During the conference students will also have the chance to go to Disney along with many other DECA sponsored events.
"The students truly worked hard to make the Randolph Technical Center and their adviser very proud at DECA state competitions," a spokesperson said. "DECA ICDC is a wonderful opportunity for students to professionally represent West Virginia DECA. The DECA ICDC is the highlight of the DECA year."
About 14,000 high school students, advisers, business persons and alumni gather for several days of DECA excitement. Most participants at ICDC compete in one of DECA's competitive events. The top competitors in each event are recognized for their outstanding achievements.
In addition to the competitive events, many students and advisers participate in a variety of leadership and career advancing academies.
The cost for each student to attend the conference is $888.
The amount does not include food costs or DECA attire required for competition.
For all the students and the adviser, this will be the first time any of them have been to Disney World and Florida, a spokesperson said, adding that four out of five of the students have never even flown.
"We are depending on personal and corporate contributions to make this happen," the spokesperson said. "Every donation that comes in gives us an opportunity to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these five students."
To assist DECA members achieve their $5,000 goal by April 15 by donating money, call Ogden at the Randolph Technical Center at 304-636-9196 ext. 102 or mail RTC 200 Kennedy Drive, Elkins, West Virginia 26241.
