Young Pros Show Up for DECA Regionals

A DECA student, left, makes her pitch to the judge during the DECA district competition on Nov. 21.

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

Career-oriented students found challenge and excitement with rigorous tests and testimonials from business leaders at last week’s DECA competition.

DECA is a Career and Technical Education club that focuses on marketing, business management, hospitality and tourism, and finance. During Thursday’s district competition at the U.S. Cellular Center, sharply-dressed students from A.C. Reynolds High School and North Buncombe High School joined others from western North Carolina to compete in role-playing events. Charles D. Owen High School observed the events but did not compete.

The students had to come up with solutions to real-world problems in five categories- entrepreneurship, principles of marketing, quick serve restaurants, sports marketing, and apparel and accessories. Each student had to prepare their materials and sit down in front of an adult judge to present their solution. They also had to pass a 100-question, content-specific test.

“It’s pretty challenging,” said A.C. Reynolds senior Ethan Hefner. “But I’ve met a lot of people. Also, dressing in business attire and looking people in the eye, those are things I’ve learned about in school. But here I’m applying it, and people call me ‘Mr. Hefner.’ I like that.”

DECA members also heard informational and inspirational talks with Josh Gibbs, owner of Dynamite Roasting, and staff members from Explore Asheville.

WINNERS
The following students placed in the top three of their events:

– Kesin Zimmerman (A.C. Reynolds), first place in Entrepreneurship
– Madison Edwards (A.C. Reynolds), first place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
– Brighton Cole (A.C. Reynolds), second place in Entrepreneurship
– Parker Willett (A.C. Reynolds), second place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
– Devon Triplett (A.C. Reynolds), third place in Quick Service Restaurant Management
– Raquel Winker (North Buncombe), third place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
– Kylee Schill (A.C. Reynolds), third place in Apparel and Accessories Marketing

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Thanks to A.C. Reynolds High Business and Marketing teacher Charles Furlow for helping to organize last week's competition. Earlier this year, he was named DECA Chapter Advisor of the Year for North Carolina.

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Buncombe County Schools