Hilo to Orlando, Fla., and back: 9,280 miles, eight flights, one dedicated adviser; six state winners and three international finalists.
Hilo to Orlando, Fla., and back: 9,280 miles, eight flights, one dedicated adviser; six state winners and three international finalists.
Students from Hilo High School’s DECA program garnered top honors from the International Career Development Conference from April 24-26 in Florida.
“I’m proud to say three of my students are the first from the Big Island to place as finalists at the international level,” said DECA adviser Patrick Jenkins, adding, “Our hard work and dedication really paid off.”
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is an international high school and collegiate association that prepares emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. The international event attracted 18,000 attendees.
International finalists are determined by scores from a 100-question exam and two business role plays.
The team of Patrick Palad and Lopaka O’Connor earned a finalist medal in their category, Financial Services. Kenneth Kitahata collected a finalist medal in Marketing Management.
Nyadean Campbell and Blair Bolema competed in the Travel and Tourism category. Justin Scharf competed in Marketing Management.
The trip was made possible through student fundraising and generous corporate sponsorships.