This year DECA has done a phenomenal job with bringing home success from State. Twelve students from Savannah High had the opportunity to compete virtually in state this year. All the teams had to record their presentation and turn it into a panel of judges.
“With COVID everything was virtual. Students had to record their presentations and then we had to upload them to a platform where the judges could view them. It wasn't the ideal experience for our students, but at least we still got the chance to compete!” assistant adviser Mrs. Marina Atkins said.
Many of the participants had mixed feelings about how they presented. Some students found it easier and less stressful and others found it harder to express their emotion through video.
“It was weird because we couldn't present to judges in person but it also helped relieve some of the stress because we only had to make one recording for Districts and for State,” sophomore Miya Drury said.
12 students competed in the State DECA Events. Junior Maddee Olszowka and senior Ben Schneider placed fifth in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research. This placing does qualify them for DECA Internationals. Sophomore Danica Rodriguez placed sixth in Business Operations Research Event; the team of junior Halie Maddox and senior Olivia Matthews placed eighth in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research; and the team of sophomores Sydnie Clark and AJ Schussler placed eighth in Business Operations Research Event. Also qualifying and competing at State in in Business Operations Event were the teams of sophomores Braydon Dickmeyer and Karson Shirrell and sophomores Camryn Higer and Makenzie Kurre, and individually, Drury.
All of these students have been working throughout the year to prepare for the competition.
“DECA is a year-long process. Students begin preparing for it at the beginning of the school year and then competition season starts after Christmas Break,” Mrs. Atkins said.
There were many changes throughout the year with Covid not letting them compete in person and the advisers learning and adjusting as things progressed.
“The most challenging thing for us this year was having to adjust to everything being virtual. The students nor the advisors had done this before and it was an adjustment for everyone involved. COVID made everything difficult, but we understand it was necessary if we wanted to have a season,” Mrs. Atkins said.
Throughout the difficulty, the students have done a great job at State and SHS can't wait to see what you accomplish next!