by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek School had a strong showing at the statewide Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Career Development Conference held in Baton Rouge early this week.
A total of 40 Cedar Creek students competed against more than 500 others at the conference with 25 placing in the top 6 as finalists, and 14 of those placing in the top 3, qualifying them for the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in April.
“We could not be prouder of our students who attended the DECA Career Development Conference,” said Hope Merchant, one of the school’s DECA sponsors. “They represented Cedar Creek with excellence and professionalism, and seeing their hard work and determination come to life makes me and Caty (Simmons) both so proud as their sponsors.”
The students had to either take a test and present a role play scenario to a judge, or they had to write up to a 20-page business plan or marketing campaign and present it to a judge at the conference.
“They continue to stand out year after year by not only their achievements at the awards ceremony, but with their behavior and professionalism,” said Merchant. “They all made our school proud!”
DECA is an international student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The organization helps students develop practical business skills while building confidence and leadership experience.
Students compete at district, state, and international levels in events such as role-plays, case studies, business plans, and presentations. Beyond competition, DECA also emphasizes networking, professionalism, and college and career preparation.
The Cedar Creek competitors who were finalists (Top 6), included:
• Georgia Dugdale- Community Giving Project (Going Gold for Breck)
• Jade Cook- Community Giving Project (Going Gold for Breck)
• Sophie Mariano- Community Giving Project (Going Gold for Breck)
• Hayden Durrett- Financial Services Team Decision Making
• Trigger Woodard- Financial Services Team Decision Making
• William Myers- Food Marketing Series
• Julianne Bush- Retail Merchandising Series
• Clara Yates- Marketing Communications Team Decision Making
• Lauren Pearce- Marketing Communications Team Decision Making
• Jake Terry- Principles of Business
• Jillian Ramsey- Professional Selling
The Creek students who finished in the top 3 and qualified for the upcoming International Career Development Conference, include:
• Carter Lewis- Business Finance Series- 1st Place
• Carter Perry- Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making- 1st Place
• Jack Robbins- Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making- 1st Place
• Katherine Worthey- Community Giving Project (Powerpuff Football Fundraiser)- 1st
Place
• Mallory Waller- Community Giving Project (Powerpuff Football Fundraiser)-1st Place
• Ruybe Walsworth – Community Giving Project (Powerpuff Football Fundraiser)- 1st
Place
• Anderson Godlewski-Integrated Marketing Campaign (Cedartown)- 2nd Place
• Britton Bennett- Integrated Marketing Campaign (Cedartown)- 2nd Place
• Emma Phillips- Integrated Marketing Campaign(Cedartown)- 2nd Place
• Rex Freling-Marketing Communications Series- 1st Place
• Andrew Shirley- Principles of Business- 2nd Place
• Preslee Prince- Professional Selling- 2nd Place
• Maggie Newman- Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making, 2nd
Place
• Mary Claire Temple- Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making, 2nd
Place
Cedar Creek also had 12 students who were recognized for their high scores on the state DECA exam. Those who earned the Achievement Testing Award, include: Britton Bennett, Joanie Cannon, Rex Freling, Anderson Godlewski, Carter Lewis, Maggie Newman, Carter Perry, Jack Robbins, Andrew Shirley, Mary Claire Temple, Jake Terry, and Clara Yates.
The DECA chapter at Cedar Creek also earned a number of awards, including:
• 5-5-5 Outstanding Chapter Award
• Community Service Campaign Award
• Outstanding Advisor Award — Hope Merchant
• Outstanding Advisor Award – Caty Simmons
