GREENSBORO – Smithfield Selma High School’s (SSS) DECA members competed February 29 through March 1, 2024 at the NC DECA Career Development Conference (CDC). DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is a business club that provides students with skills, knowledge, and professional attitudes required to excel in future careers.
Recently, chapters across all regions of the state arrived at the Greensboro Koury Convention Center to compete and have the opportunity to be given awards for their hard work in studying for their events and improving their chapters as a whole. DECA students are also given the opportunity to network and attend workshops that provide valuable business professional skills.
DECA members who achieve high placements in their selected events have a possibility of becoming a top finalist in their events. If they are selected, they are able to compete at the International Career Development Conference and, if they are an overall finalist, they have a chance to participate in leadership workshops at ICDC.
This year, SSS DECA members worked hard in each of their events, and four SSS members achieved an award as overall finalist in their events. These members include Andrew Hartman and Lillian Mizner in the Buying and Merchandising team decision-making event. Hailey Stephens and Magali Santiago-Olmedo were also recognized as having top scores in their role play in the Individual Food Marketing Series Event.
SSS student and DECA vice president Storme Harbinson Wheeler said, “DECA has been a great experience to get to meet and make connections with new people. Everyone is very friendly and supportive of your personal business journey.”
