Editor’s note:

As a former DECA advisor, it’s wonderful to see Help Desk students apply their tech savviness and knowledge of business and marketing through their participation in the BHS DECA program. For our readers who may not be familiar, DECA is an organization that “prepares emerging leaders and  entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.” Certainly each of those career paths requires technology skills and knowledge, and with the entrepreneurial spirit of many of my students, it’s no wonder members of the Help Desk took home top honors at this year’s state DECA competition. The competition required students to take a comprehensive exam and compete in a role-play situation or complete and present a marketing or business related project. Below is a reflection from the competition as well as a highlight video which originally appeared on the blog of BHS senior and Help Desk student Nathan Rippin.

By: Nathan Rippin, BHS Class of 2015

The Help Desk in run like a business. Self sufficiency and workflows are at the heart of the program. I was able to continue my love of business in DECA, the BHS business club. Topics range from quick serve restaurant management to fashion marketing to financial literacy and economics  The event I competed in was ENI, Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan. I had to write a 5 page paper and give a 15 min presentation to a judge. I did this at a district level and at the state level. I came in 2nd place in my district and 15th in the state. I did not get my ticket punched to Orlando, FL. (the location of the national competition) However, with it being my first and only year in DECA at BHS, I felt I made both myself and my family proud. In order to showcase the awesome things my peers and I did while at the state conference, I made a highlight reel posted above for your viewing pleasure. Dan Pais and Timmy Sullivan are going on in their categories to nationals in Orlando. Both of these young men are also in the Help Desk. We wish them luck on the final leg of their DECA journey.