By : Samantha Weiss’ 14 and Aaditi Tamhankar ‘17
Earlier this past month, eleven lucky students here at CHW got the opportunity to travel to the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. Melleby, the senior business teacher and DECA advisor, accompanied her nine finalists and two leadership participants to DECA Nationals May 3rd-7th with high hopes for all.
DECA, Distributed Education Clubs of America, is an organization which works to provide up-and-coming students interested in the business world with real life experiences and unrivaled preparation for future careers. Emerging entrepreneurs and leaders from all 50 states, as well as 6 different countries, attended and actively participated in various forms of competition, including simulated role plays and comprehensive 100 question multiple choice exams.
The first step in the journey to Atlanta was competing at the regional and state levels. Those businessmen and women skilled enough to make the stage and receive a qualifying medal at States packed their suitcases and headed to the Peach State. The following students had their boarding passes in hand on May 3rd: Alicia Jensen (12) competed in Food Marketing, Kayla Broyles (12), Anna Scarfo (11), and Sean Jensen (12) for Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research, Matthew Hinger (11) for Marketing Management, Aaditi Tamhankar (9) for Principles of Business Management and Administration, Maggie McCurdy (9) for Principles of Finance, Rebecca Horner (10) for Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, and Kristen Holloway (11) for Quick Serve Restaurant Management.
Not only did these nine incredibly qualified and enthusiastic people get to go, but our DECA chapter also obtained two extra spots on account of leadership positions. Our club worked to raise funds to benefit homeless teenagers. All proceeds went to the Covenant House of New Jersey. The exceptionally special aspect regarding this effort was that it was truly a school wide community service project.
Though the primary goal of this charity was to help provide for TEENS 4 TEENS, the DECA organization did recognize our chapter for our outstanding achievements in giving back to the less fortunate by awarding us two additional leadership positions to the 2014 ICDC. After careful consideration, Mrs. Melleby and Ms. Minutolo selected two very dedicated and worthy students to fulfill these spots – Kevin Davies (11) and Taylor Thompson (11).
Upon arriving, the first ICDC major event was the opening ceremonies, whose keynote speaker was none other than Fran Tarkenton. The professional football player was chosen due to his keen sense of the business world, as well as his incredible connections to the state of Georgia. Graduating from the University of Georgia and leading his college team to the 1959 SEC Championships, Tarkenton’s major fame accumulated during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he accompanied the franchise to three superbowls throughout the 1970’s. According to an article published in DECA Direct by Janelle Scudder, “Fran could not wait to speak to 17,000 DECA members and advisors.”
The main reason for traveling all the way to the Deep South was for the distinguished competitors to see how they match up to their rival businessmen and women in the ultimate challenge – the national competitions. Throughout the duration of the trip, though it was filled with numerous fun activities, all DECA members, whether there as competitors, advisors, or leadership participants, had an overloaded schedule. Between numerous role plays and standardized multiple choice exams, special events and awards ceremonies, it’s a miracle our group got to sleep at all. Even Mrs. Melleby signed herself up for a special workshop in which she attended for two days where she learned how to better her teaching skills and increase enthusiasm and awareness of the DECA organization, among other things.
Now for the part that everyone’s been waiting for – the results! Out of our nine competitors, Alicia Jensen (12) received a 1st place Role Play award for her participation in the Food Marketing category. It is important to note that only four locations in New Jersey made it to the stage, including both Cherry Hill high schools, as well as one from Jackson and Colt Neck. The latter only attests to how difficult this feat is, and what an honor it is to be called onto the stage at the ICDC. Though only one of West’s students made the stage, all students went to Atlanta as extremely well prepared, intelligent, dedicated, and eager participants who strive to learn more and give back to their community.
Aside from all the “work” aspects of the trip, which of course were the main priority, Mrs. Melleby ensured the kids all had experiences which were simply fun. The group visited the “World of Coca-Cola,” since the company’s headquarters happen to be located in Georgia’s capital, where they learnt about business operations of such a paramount corporation. DECA participants also had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Aquarium and the Georgia World Congress Center. During their travels, they also attended an Atlanta Braves baseball game (who doesn’t love America’s favorite pastime?) and a concert specifically for the organization’s entertainment.
All in all, this year’s trip to the ICDC in Atlanta, Georgia was overwhelmingly successful. Not only did 11 students get the opportunity of a lifetime, but they had fun doing so. We can only hope for as phenomenal a turnout next year, as we had at the 2014 ICDC.
A role play is a pretend interview that tests your knowledge on business. This was particularly nerve racking for me. Everyone else seemed so much better, but I got over it. After my role play, I was led into a huge convention with different DECA sponsors promoting themselves. A lot of colleges were there, and even the US Army and Navy were there! – Aaditi Tamhankar (‘17)
Overall, this trip was a great experience. It really simulated a true business trip. There was a lot of freedom and choice. The weather was beautiful. The best part for me was meeting new people. High schoolers from practically every part of the globe had come to Atlanta. I made instant friends with people who had similar interests, but lived hundreds of miles away.
Even if you aren’t planning on a career in business, you should still join DECA for the experience. Who knows, maybe you’ll go to DECA ICDC 2015 in Orlando, Florida!
Aaditi Tamhankar (‘17)