Bellefontaine High School DECA has two International Career Development Conference qualifiers for 2021 — junior Chloe Lloyd and sophomore Zach Horvath.
In recent weeks, the BHS DECA Chapter has been competing virtually against the best in Ohio to qualify for the ICDC.
Coming out on top were Chloe, who received third place in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling, and Zach, who received fourth place in the Entrepreneurship Series.
Originally, the conference was slated to occur in Anaheim, Calif., but now will take place as a virtual event for April 19 through 23.
Junior Avery Plikerd also ranked in the top of her event, with a ninth place finish in Retail Merchandising.
The Chieftains competed at Ohio DECA Career Development conference (”states”) this year after bringing home DECA Diamonds at the Ohio DECA District 3 Competition Jan. 27.
During this event, the BHS DECA Chapter placed as follows:
• Chloe Lloyd — First place in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling.
• Brooke Miranda and Leeah Kuhn — First place in Marketing Management Team Decision Making.
• Avery Plikerd — Second Place in Retail Merchandising.
• Kirsten Hand — Second Place in Financial Literacy Series.
• Paige Cox and Stevie Angel — Third Place in Hospitality and Tourism Team.
• Riley Myers and Ashley Ehmer — Third Place in Travel and Tourism Team
• Daniela Hernandez — Third Place in Hotel and Lodging Management and
• Zach Horvath — Third Place in Entrepreneurship Series.
• Aaron Roy, Maddie Williams and Ellise St. Clair were awarded competitive spots in Automotive Marketing and Entrepreneurship Teams, respectively.
“We are so proud of our students this year,” adviser Katie Rychcner said. “2020-2021 has been a serious challenge, but our Chapter really rose to the occasion to compete. The students really made the most of the opportunities available to them.”
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality and Management. Students who are interested in becoming involved with DECA should contact Ms. Rychener at the high school.