5 WEST HIGH DECA STUDENTS MOVE ON TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Five West Aurora High School’s students in DECA, a marketing and management organization, have qualified to compete at DECA’s International Career Development Conference April 29-May 2, in Dallas, Tex.

The five earned the right to move on after competing in DECA’s State Career Development Conference March 2–4 in Decatur, Ill. Other West High students also were recognized at the state conference.

The team of Luis Sifuentes and Matt Bius finished first in Learn and Earn writing a business plan for DECA’s Breakfast with Santa Events. Savannah Meyers finished first writing a fashion promotional plan for Diesel, a clothing store where Savannah is employed. Nissa McCarthy won second place for her marketing research paper in Business and Financial Services for Tutor Chiropractic where she is employed. Luis Sifuentes earned second place and Savannah Meyers fourth in Apparel and Accessories Management. Nissa McCarthy won third place in Sales Demonstration Hardline. Alex Piccolo won fourth place out of 50 candidates in Quick Serve Restaurant Management.

In addition West Aurora student Charrise Hayes finished seventh in Fashion Promotional Plan and Jasmine Hicks was a top-10 finalist in Sales Demonstration Softline with her sales demonstration of West Aurora spirit wear.

Luis Sifuentes earned a $1500 scholarship from the Illinois Foundation for Marketing Education. His goal is to major in International Business and Chinese at Valparaiso University. DECA’s advisor, Pat Larkin was among a select group of teachers awarded the DECA Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award by conducting key chapter activities and contributing to the DECA program of the Illinois state association. Larkin, who will be retiring at the end of this school year, was also given a clock from Illinois DECA for her contributions and time.