In the eyes of many, competition is the driving force that makes the world turn. Thursday, Feb. 2, 37 marketing students from California High School attended the 2012 District Five DECA Contest at the Capital Mall in Jefferson City.
CHS marketing instructor Julia Potter was very pleased with the outcome of the contest, stating that, "Out of 37 students from California who participated, 24 did well enough to advance to State competition!" The 24 individuals who advanced include the following Olivia Kunze, Principles of Marketing; Ana Strickfaden, Principles of Business Management; Meghan Halsey, Principles of Business Management; Ty Kirchner, Automotive Services; William Inglish, Marketing Management; Karin Bolinger, Retail Merchandising; Lacey Thompson, Human Resource Management; Cheyenne Doughty and Anna Parry, Buying and Merchandising Team; Jared Kendrick and Connor Volkart, Sports and Entertainment Team; Leo Lutz and Bailey Glenn, Travel and Tourism Team; Adam Burger and Connor McGill, Business Law and Ethics Team; Missy Gerhart and Tanner Roberts, Business Law and Ethics Team; Noel Sandoval and Brooke Holliday, Financial Analysis Team; Jeremy Jungmeyer and John Anderson, Marketing Communications Team; Brittiany McGinnis and Holly Wolfrum, Hospitality Services Team; Courtland Gerhart, Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan.
Potter who was also impressed with the attire of her competitors, going on to say, "I believe we were the most professionally dressed team there; many teachers even complimented me on the dress of my students."
When asked how she believed her students would do at State, Potter cracked a smile and said she was very optimistic about her teams' chances. Potter is not the only member in California's DECA branch who is ecstatic about their chances. CHS senior and STDM team captain Connor Volkart has a new-found confidence saying, "My associate Jared Kendrick and I have put in long hours to make sure we are properly prepared. We are coming into state with great confidence that we will take home the gold!"
Students who advanced to State have a tough road ahead of them, but have several weeks of preparation in their respective categories. State competition will be at the Lake of the Ozarks, March 18-20.