New Berlin Eisenhower DECA Qualifies for International Competition

Lake Geneva, WI- March 19, 2012. The 2012 Wisconsin DECA State Career Development Conference was held in Lake Geneva March 13-15th. This conference hosted more than 1,000 high school students and advisors from over 200 high schools across the state. The conference culminated an incredible year as DECA member Aspired Higher through leadership development, career exploration, expanded and enriched learning, and community service. Eisenhower DECA sent 10 members to compete against the very best and brightest at this conference.

Students compete in different occupational series for overall recognition, but can medal in individual events in that series. Of the ten students representing Eisenhower, nine medaled in at least one event. Three students qualified to compete at the International Career Development Conference, held in Salt Lake City, Utah at the end of April- against over 14,000 other high school students from around the globe.

Sophomore Hannah Kinzer placed 2nd in Public Speaking and 3rd in her Hotel and Lodging Series, becoming the first sophomore in Eisenhower history to double qualify for ICDC. Junior Mia Jennaro also double qualified- by placing 2nd in the Community Service Project (written and presented about the Race for Reagan held last November) and 3rd in her series Marketing Communication, with partner Lauren Davis. Davis was also recognized for being a Gold-Level Member. Junior Eric Deutsch was a series finalist in his Human Resource Management series.

Additionally, seniors Caitlin Balcerzak and Elise Armstrong medaled in their Advertising Campaign Marketing Cluster Test and seniors Niko Ossa and Andy Melian medaled in one of their Sports and Entertainment series case studies. Junior Romith Challa medaled in Business Services.

High school chapters are also recognized for outstanding work in community service- and Eisenhower not only was awarded an Acts of Kindness Award (for various service activities), but placed first in contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association with a donation of over $5,000. The $5,000 donation was raised through various “Miracle Minutes” held in the school and during sporting events and the Race for Reagan held in honor of Reagan Imhoff, a local girl with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. “Our MDA Award really belongs to the entire community,” said Christine Richards, the IKE DECA Advisor, “We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support of our goal.”

DECA is a student organization for students interested in pursuing careers in marketing, management, or entrepreneurship. Members of DECA are enrolled in Marketing courses at Eisenhower High School. The chapter is led by Christine Richards, a new teacher to the New Berlin School District. For more information on DECA- please contact Mrs. Richards at ikedecacrichards@gmail.com.