RHS DECA students compete in Lake Geneva

Late last month, 16 Rhinelander High School students competed at the Wisconsin DECA State Career Development Conference in Lake Geneva.

According to a school district press release, DECA is an organization that helps prepare students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. At state, students had to take a 100-question test on their chosen topic, as well as an economics test. They also performed two role plays in which the student is given a business situation and must act it out to resolve the issue. Medals are awarded to students for earning high scores in their tests, on either of their role plays, and for placing in the top ten of their event. 

 Eight Rhinelander students qualified to participate at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which is to be held in Anaheim, Calif. in late April, the  release states.

All 50 states and several countries including Canada, Mexico, Germany, China, and Spain will be represented.

Rhinelander’s Kate Ripple took fourth place in the Business Finance Event and received a medal for her economics test while Cassie Burke, Payton McCue and Alyssa Smits took sixth place in the Community Service Giving Project. Lucas Haselton, Claire Caselton, Tori Riopel and Tyler Chariton were accepted to the THRIVE Academy. In addition, six other students were recognized on stage for their performance in the tests and role plays: Brody Kowieski for the economics test and his test in Personal Financial Literacy, Luna Grage and Evi Sawyer for their performance in a role play, Payton McCue for his performance in a role play, and Eva Hetland for her performance in a role play.

 Rhinelander DECA was also recognized for its accomplishments as a chapter this year. 

First, the club received recognition for its Community Service Campaign which included Acts of Kindness, General Contributions to Charity, 100 Hours, MDA (receiving fourth place for donations), and Trick or Can. Secondly, they were recognized for the Thrive Level Chapter Membership Campaign, Thrive Level Chapter Campaign and Wisconsin Diamond Chapter.

Rhinelander DECA had a very successful state conference and hopes to continue their involvement in the community for years to come, the release states.  Chapter advisor Mischell Fryar was very impressed by the hard work of all of the competitors, many of which were competing at the state level for the first time. For more information, or to make a donation to assist with travel expenses for ICDC, contact Fryar at 715-365-9500 or [email protected].