Rockwall, Texas – After finishing at the top of a huge and very tough field at the recent DECA District Conference, 28 Rockwall County ISD high school students have moved on to the next round of competition. The students won District Champion titles after competing against more than 2,300 people from 48 schools. This was a significant achievement for the program.
The district-level event examined students in a lot of business-related areas, using both written tests and role-playing scenarios that are similar to problems that professionals face in the real world. Those who came in first not only knew the material, but they also showed that they could think critically, communicate well, and make decisions under pressure.
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The kids will now move on to the DECA State Competition after winning their districts. Competitors will keep learning more about business, marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship at the state level through more difficult tests. Success at the state competition could open the door to DECA’s International Career Development Conference, scheduled for April in Atlanta, Georgia, where students from across the globe gather to compete and collaborate.
The list of district champions includes a wide range of activities and grade levels, from first-year students to seniors who have been competing for years. Students won top prizes in individual and team categories such Principles of Business Management and Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Hospitality, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Many events used paired or team decision-making formats to show how important working together and setting plans for the future are for success.
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Dori Brown, Alisha Bridges, and April Deats are the advisers for the Rockwall ISD DECA program at the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy. Their leadership helps students get ready for tournaments while also keeping up with their schoolwork.
Student leaders say that DECA has helped them grow both personally and professionally. Rockwall High School’s senior leaders said the program changed their lives. They expressed how it helps students make real connections and gain confidence and leadership abilities. Competing at a high level lets students use what they learn in school in real-life business scenarios.
The program’s effectiveness also depends on support from local businesses. Student leaders thanked partners who give them tools, guidance, and real-world experience that make the competition experience better than just being in class.
The following students qualified as District Champions in their respective competitive events and are moving on to the State Competition:
- Lily G. (RHS, 10th)– Principles of Business Management and Administration
- Noah O. (RHS, 10th)– Principles of Business Management and Administration
- Ethan A. (RHS, 12th)– Principles of Entrepreneurship
- Amaey K. (RHS, 11th)– Principles of Entrepreneurship
- Jack M. (RHS, 12th)– Principles of Finance
- Casey G. (RHS, 11th)– Principles of Marketing
- Joshua C. (RHS, 11th)– Accounting Applications Series
- Aerin P. (RHS, 10th)– Personal Finance Literacy Event
- Mia F. (RHS, 12th)– Automotive Services Marketing Series
- Matthew M. (RHS, 12th)– Automotive Services Marketing Series
- Carter B. (RHHS, 12th)– Business Services Marketing Series
- Megan S. (RHS, 11th)– Business Services Marketing Series
- Hannah K. (RHS, 10th)– Business Services Marketing Series
- Leilanni C. (RHS, 11th)– Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
- Emily K. (RHS, 11th)– Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
- Nolan S. (RHS, 12th)– Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
- Marely V. (RHHS, 11th)– Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
- Madison M. (RHHS, 12th)– Food Marketing Series
- Addison Y. (RHHS, 12th)– Food Marketing Series
- Saydee B. (RHHS, 12th)– Marketing Communications Series
- Madison H. (RHHS, 12th)– Marketing Communications Series
- Kelly S. (RHS, 12th)– Marketing Communications Series
- Katelyn B. (RHS, 12th)– Marketing Management Team Decision Making
- Isabelle K. (RHS, 12th)– Marketing Management Team Decision Making
- Maddie H. (RHHS, 11th)– Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series
- Mahtab K. (RHS, 12th)– Restaurant and Food Service Management Series
- Michelle G. (RHHS, 12th)– Retail Merchandising Series
- Jackson A. (RHS, 10th)– Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series
The program keeps working toward its goals of preparing students for careers and helping them become leaders as the qualifiers get ready for state competition. For these children, the district championships are more than just medals or titles; they are a real step toward reaching their academic and career aspirations in the future.
