Dutch DECA Chapter Competes at Regional Competition

The DECA Chapter at Manchester High School participated in a regional conference at Eastern Michigan University on January 8.

DECA is a nationwide student leadership organization that helps prepare high school students for business career. According to its website, DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Founded in 1946, DECA has impacted the lives of more than 10 million students, educators, school administrators, and business professionals and is readily identified as a remarkable experience in the preparation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Sixteen Manchester students competed against hundreds of students in the Region 4 Conference at EMU. Prior to the in-person competition, each student took an online exam. After the scores from both online and in-person testing were tallied, six Manchester High School students had scored high enough to progress to the state level competition that will be held in Grand Rapids in March.

“It truly was a great experience for all of our students,” said adviser Leslie Rollins. “Way to go Dutch!”

Pictured from left are the MHS DECA  finalists Dalton Tungate, Makayla Whitney, Morgan Blaine, Gabe Jacob, Zachary Stachlewitz, and Mariah Kemeter. Their adviser, Leslie Rollins, is pictured in the center of the group. These six students will attend the statewide conference in Grand Rapids in March for further competition.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.