Henry County High School DECA Students Shine at State Competition

News Summary

Henry County High School students have showcased their talent and dedication at the DECA state competition in Chattanooga, with two students qualifying for the international competition in Anaheim. Under the mentorship of Angela Prater, the team excelled, demonstrating their skills in business leadership. Rylee Clark earned the Tennessee DECA Emerging Leader Scholarship, highlighting her promise in the entrepreneurship field. With a rigorous preparation process, these young leaders are ready to represent their school and community on a global stage.

Exciting Achievements for Henry County High School DECA Students!

In a thrilling display of talent and determination, students from Henry County High School are soaring to new heights, earning the chance to compete on the international stage. This March, DECA sponsor and educator Angela Prater proudly led a group of 30 aspiring business leaders to the state competition held in Chattanooga, marking her 22nd year of involvement with the program.

A Bright Future Ahead

Two standout students, senior Rylee Clark and sophomore Riley Evans, are gearing up to represent their school at the prestigious international DECA competition in Anaheim this April. These young achievers have shown exceptional dedication, hard work, and passion for the world of entrepreneurship and business. Their journey to this competition started with rigorous preparations at the state level, where they competed against around 3,000 talented contestants from various schools across the region, including several from Rutherford County.

Spotlight on Scholarships

Rylee Clark didn’t just shine in her event; she also earned the Tennessee DECA Emerging Leader Scholarship. This recognition is not just an honor; it reflects her commitment and potential in shaping her future in the business realm. As students often say, this scholarship is a stepping stone toward realizing their dreams in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Competing Schools Make Their Mark

The competition was fierce, with several esteemed schools participating, including Blackman High School, Central Magnet School, Eagleville School, Holloway High School, LaVergne High School, Oakland High School, Riverdale High School, Rockvale High School, Smyrna High School, Stewarts Creek High School, and of course, Henry County High School. Each school brought their A-game, showing the high stakes of the DECA events that bring together these future leaders.

Preparation is Key

Students prepared intensely for their events, choosing between roleplay and written categories. Those in written categories automatically qualified for state, while roleplay competitors faced an intense challenge: a grueling 100-question test and the preparation of case studies for assessment by judges. It’s no easy feat! Written groups typically consist of 2-3 participants, while roleplay teams can include 1 or 2, ensuring each participant’s strengths shine through.

To hone their skills, students in written events draft and refine their plans with their sponsors’ feedback, while roleplay students have the unique opportunity to interact directly with judges as they discuss their business strategies. This comprehensive preparation results in a distinctly competitive atmosphere where students showcase their skills and business plans, striving for excellence and recognition.

Onward to Anaheim!

Students from Henry County who will be making their mark at the International DECA Competition alongside Rylee and Riley are Eva Lemonds, Brooke Koch, Jordyn Ingrahm, and Amelia Northam. This is not just an opportunity; it’s a celebration of their dedication and hard work. The international competition promises to be an exhilarating event, and these students are ready for the challenge!

As they gear up for Anaheim, the community of Henry County can take pride in these ambitious young minds. With strong support from their educators and the experience they’ve gained throughout the competitions, there’s no doubt they will take full advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow on a global stage. Here’s wishing all the participating students the best of luck—go show the world what Henry County has to offer!

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Additional Resources

• Bearden Bark: Bearden DECA Students Preparing for State Competition
• Wikipedia: DECA
• Radio WTn: HCHS Students Advance to International Competition
• Google Search: DECA competition
• Go Mocs: Kynli Kirkendoll Profile
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
• Citizen Tribune: West DECA Duo Wins Top Place in the State
• Google News: DECA scholarship