A group of outstanding students from Alexander High School and Chapel Hill High School recently represented Douglas County with distinction at the DECA National Conference in California. DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for marketing, finance, hospitality, and management careers, held the Anaheim conference from April 26 - May 1, 2024.
Throughout the conference, these students tested their marketing skills through competitive events judged by business professionals. Their hard work and dedication paid off, as all students from both schools were awarded the Award of Excellence for scoring 70% or above at the national level.
The following students and their respective events are as follows:
Bethany Touchard (CHHS), Business Finance
Temidayo Solomon and Ashley Miller (CHHS),School-Based Enterprise and workshop
Samantha Branton (AHS), Marketing Communications
Caylie Brennan (AHS), Business Services
James Verner (AHS), Principles of Hospitality and Tourism,
Daegan Samples and Elaine Godwin (AHS), School-Based Enterprise and workshop
Following the competition, advisors and marketing teachers Antoinette Godfrey and Amanda Backus expressed gratitude to the parents, the community, and the Douglas County School System. They acknowledged the invaluable role of this support in student success. This collective effort allows the marketing and DECA programs to provide students real-world exposure, career exploration, industry insights, networking opportunities, and the inspiration and motivation to strive for more.