DECA team heads to state level competition

Manchester High School DECA team members with awards, left to right: Meghan Somerville, Miranda Austin, Lauren Blaine, Matt Miller, Abby Diuble, Nathan Booth. Not pictured: Hunter Anderson, Anthony Bargardi, Peter Cocco, Jack Coluccy, Caiden Kippnick.

Members of the Manchester High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) students, coached by teacher Leslie Rollins, competed virtually in district finals during the first week of January. With Covid numbers too high to justify in-person competition at Eastern Michigan University as originally planned, that didn’t discourage the MHS team members from putting their best foot forward to collect several awards, allowing them to advance to statewide competition at the state conference in Detroit next month.

DECA, a nationwide program, has been developed to encourage the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. With a 75-year history, DECA has impacted the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals since it was founded in 1946. Their strong connection with the organization has resonated into a brand that people identify as a remarkable experience in the preparation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. DECA’s programs and activities have constantly evolved, using the latest technology and applying cutting edge educational research.

“The state conference will be held in Detroit March 10-12, 2022,” Rollins explained. “The students compete in various events related to business and learn valuable job and life skills. They also meet many other students and build relationships with their peers.”

The State Career Development Conference is expected to host more than 4,200 Michigan DECA members and advisers. Participants will have the opportunity to join in a variety of competitive events during the day, meet DECA members from across the state, interact with business representatives, and compete for a chance to represent Michigan DECA at the International Career Development Conference in April.

Team members include Hunter Anderson, Miranda Austin, Anthony Bargardi, Lauren Blaine, Nathan Booth, Peter Cocco, Jack Coluccy, Abby Diuble, Caiden Kippnick, Matt Miller, and Meghan Somerville. Congratulations to all and good luck at state conference!

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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.