Isabel Willis, 12,  has advanced to the next round of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) where she will have the opportunity to represent the Apparels and Accessories Marketing category in the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)  in Anaheim, CA this April.  This round includes more than 22,000 high-school students from all over the country, according to DECA. ICDC is very competitive and many participants are striving to be the best in the world. 

DECA is a high school club offered to students who yearn to be emerging leaders and entrepreneurs; gaining skills such as leadership, marketing, finances and etcetera. Those involved with DECA in LHHS have an indomitable work ethic thanks to the help of Ramona Harper and JulieAnn Bever, the sponsors of the club. 

“Our chapter has been involved with monthly meetings to connect about preparation for competition, fundraising efforts, collaboration with other school chapters, and community service at Feed My Starving Children,” Willis commented.

In the Apparel and Accessories Marketing competition, participants are expected to take a 100-question test. They are also required to take part in a “role play” where they are given a scenario and only ten minutes to plan out the presentation for the selected topic. Competitors are scored on how accurate they are, as well as their presentation and accuracy. 

“Through the Apparel and Accessories Marketing category, I have gained real-world experience that will prepare me for the things I plan on studying in college and the career I want to go into, fashion marketing. I plan on making a big impact on the fashion business world and I 100 percent believe that DECA’s role plays and tests have prepared me for this by sharpening my abilities to think quickly and critically,” Willis mentions.

Willis thanks Harper and Bever for their continuous support throughout the competition. She notes that without them striving to prepare Willis, she would not be at the same level she is now.  Willis is in Harper’s room every day preparing for DECA by studying performance indicators, marketing vocabulary, and practicing roleplays.

“I truly believe this continuous daily practice, support, and dedication is what has allowed me to advance so far,” Willis concludes. “I am so excited to be competing in California in April as it gives me a chance to meet and connect with people at DECA’s highest-level competition.” 

Elle Martin was a runner-up for Retail Marketing. If needed, she will advance to ICDC.