Groves & Seaholm excel at DECA state conference

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — A group of talented students from Groves and Seaholm recently participated in the DECA State Career Development Conference in Detroit. They joined high school students from across the state to demonstrate their business and leadership skills through 18 distinct events. This highly competitive conference featured business simulations, role-plays and presentations in various areas including marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. 

Several students qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which will take place April 26-29 in Orlando, Fla. This competition is particularly challenging, as participants must achieve a first-place finish to advance to the final round.

• Olivia Parking and Luci Kucab (Groves): Hospitality Services
• Marta Jimenez-Pelay (Groves): Leadership academy
• Olivia Handzel (Groves): Leadership academy 
• Jiya Mathew (Seaholm): Integrated Marketing Campaign
• Abigail Murphy (Seaholm): Integrated Marketing Campaign
• Eli Adler (Seaholm): Principles of Business Management
• Milan Patel (Seaholm): Restaurant and Food Service Management

DECA is a global, non-profit student organization dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in the fields of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The organization provides both high school and college divisions with competitive events, leadership development programs, and valuable networking opportunities. Students have dedicated several months to preparing and refining their skills in anticipation of competing against some of the most talented peers in the state.

Other outstanding state medalist include:

• Spencer Sherr (Seaholm): Integrated Marketing Campaign
• Hiren Patel (Seaholm): Marketing and Communications
• Thomas Postema (Seaholm): Principles of Business Management
• Bohdi Chinnaiyan (Seaholm): Quick Serve Restaurant Management
• Harrison Keziah (Seaholm): Sports and Entertainment Marketing
• Meredith McCarthy and Ella Koolis (Seaholm)
• Myles Rontal, Gabe MacWilliams & Henry MacWilliams (Groves): Integrated Marketing Campaign Service
• Michael Taylor (Groves): Principles of Finance 
• Molly Frederiksen (Groves: Apparel and Accessories Marketing