Local SCCC students attend and place in the top 25 percent and two place in top the 18 at the International DECA Conference.

According to a news release, there were 17,500 high school students, educators, business professionals and alumni gathered for several days of DECA excitement. Five members of the Saline County Career Center DECA chapter recently returned from the annual International Career Development Conference held April 23-26 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Students who represented Missouri at this competition were Holly Huston, Bailey Kueker, Lizvet Menendez, Jessica Parada, and Michelle Lin. All the SCCC DECA competitors scored in the top 25% of their category and earned honorary achievement in the following categories:
Community Giving Project Management: Lizvet Menendez and Jessica Parada for their “Show Mercy” Project.

Integrated Marketing Campaign: Holly Huston and Bailey Kueker.

Principles of Marketing: Michelle Lin.

Holly Huston and Bailey Kueker will be honored at the Excellence in Marketing ceremony on May 17th at the Jefferson City State Capitol building.

Huston, Kueker, Lin, Menendez, and Parada all received awards of excellence by placing in the top 25 percent within their categories of Integrated Marketing Campaign, Principles of Marketing, and Community Giving Project Management.
Events included a 10 and 20-page written report, 10-15 minute presentation and display board to highlight the activities accomplished during the project.

Students were accompanied on their trip by Kerry Henley, marketing teacher and DECA advisor. In addition to their competitive events, students visited the Georgia Aquarium, and the Coca-Cola Museum.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, management, finance and hospitality.

“This was the first time we have been back in person in the last two years. The ladies all represented our chapter well. They all have worked incredibly hard and I could not be more proud of them. The amount of community support has been impressive and our chapter is appreciative of all of the support,” said Henley. “I’ve enjoyed watching them achieve their goals this year. My part as their advisor is to guide them, teach them, and support them in their efforts. We competed as a team, and placed as a team. They all worked hard and are wonderful assets to our community.”

Photo: Attached picture includes the following students left to right: Lizvet Menendez, Jessica Parada, Michelle Lin, Holly Huston, and Bailey Kueker