Written by: Blake McCowan

On Sunday, March 1st, Boyle County DECA traveled to Louisville to compete in the state competition, where students from across Kentucky gathered to showcase their business knowledge and professional skills. DECA is a business-focused club that prepares students for future careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitions, presentations, and real-world problem-solving.

Anna Wigglesworth placed in the Top 5 in Entrepreneurship Functions, demonstrating strong knowledge of starting and managing a business. Alia Lamar earned 2nd place in Kentucky Finance, showcasing her understanding of financial concepts and decision-making. Evan Perry and Addison Carr also had a strong performance, placing 3rd in the Kentucky Job Interview category.

Several Boyle County teams also found success in the Real Estate category. Campbell Wardrup and Matilyn Carrilson placed 2nd in Kentucky Real Estate, while Miriam Heath and Mckenzy Neyhouse took home 1st place in the same event, earning the top spot in the state.

Other Boyle County students also had standout performances. Ella Wheeler placed in the Top 5 in Kentucky Retailing Concepts, while Ethan Milburn placed in the Top 5 in Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Chandler Durham earned a Top 5 finish in Financial Consulting, and Zane Worley placed Top 5 in Professional Selling.

In the Marketing Management category, Lia Da Costa and Stella Feistritaer placed 2nd in the state, adding another impressive finish for Boyle County.

Stella Feistritzer said, “I’m really proud of what Boyle County has done. We have done such an incredible job over the past few years of growing and competing at the state level. Now, we have many people going to nationals, which is super awesome!”

Overall, Boyle County DECA had a very successful trip to the state competition, with numerous students placing among Kentucky’s best. Their hard work, preparation, and dedication helped represent Boyle County well and showcased the strength of the school’s DECA program.

On Monday, March 3rd and Tuesday, March 4th, the BCHS DECA team competed at the state SCDC conference in Louisville.

The DECA team came home with many wins. 4 students placed first in the state; Maya Smith in Hospitality & Tourism, Andrew Carr in Job Interviewing, Evan Perry in KY Market, and Emery Herron in Retailing Concepts. 

BCHS also got several other wins! Katherine Lemonds placed 4th in Financial Consulting, Chandler Durham placed 4th in Business Services Marketing, Bo Little placed 5th in Entrepreneurship Series, Mahalia Lanham placed 5th in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Alia Lamar placed 6th in Personal Financial Literacy, and Aiden Doyle placed 7th in Apparel and accessories Marketing. 

The DECA team also had 6 Duo teams in the top 8!

Overall, the DECA team did an amazing job. We are so proud of them and all the hard work they have put in to the year!

On Friday, January 31st, the BCHS DECA team traveled to Eastern Kentucky University’s campus in Richmond to compete. Of the 41 Rebels competing, 38 advanced to state! Andrew Carr, Maggie Gnann, Emma Taylor, and Miriam Heath all swept 1st place. 

McClain Denny, Levi Conn, Chandler Durham, Emery Herron, Alia Lamar, Mahala Lanham, and Bo Little took second place.

And taking third, Kathryn Lewis & Gracelyn Taylor, Brennan Tompkins & Lindsey Rowe, Blake McCowan & Rudra Patel, and Kenli Scrogham & Jacob Timberlake. 

This was an action-packed day, as many students competed in events such as Team Decision Making, Testing, Interviews, and Presentations.

Senior Maggie Gnann says that both she and her teammate Emma Taylor worked really well together, and are especially looking forward to competing in state.

 “We were both really excited when we heard our names for first place! This is our 2nd year getting first in the region for Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making and I’m really proud of the way we worked together as a team. We complemented each other well during the prep and interview sessions, and Emma is a great teammate. Right now we’re getting ready for state, and we are so excited for another chance to place!”

We are so proud of all of our Rebels on the DECA team! We wish those who are competing at the state level good luck!