5-01-2022 4:33pm

Shorecest Students Place First in National DECA Competition in Atlanta, GA

Chris Clasen Editor

Placing first out of 150+ competitors in their category (Business Law and Ethics), Andrew Miner and Matthew Gardiner have bright futures ahead of them so we asked them a few questions:

For those that don't know, what is DECA?

DECA is a marketing organization with over 170,000 members across the world. Although we meet year round, the focus is on three conferences: Area, State, and Internationals, where we meet with other schools and compete in a number of events simulating business situations and reports.

How did you end up teaming up with each other?

We've been on the same soccer team and friends since kindergarten, so it made sense when we both joined DECA freshman year. Once we started working together, it was clear it was a natural fit and we haven't looked back.

Summarize your winning presentation and the process that led to your achievement.

Our presentations are all about how to apply ethical decision making in business scenarios. At ICDC, we were confronted with dilemmas relating to fair marketing and environmental sustainability.

I don’t know if we’re at the liberty to disclose the actual case study from our winning role play, but after walking away from the judge, we felt like we had delivered some really thoughtful points and solutions. Because our final score is based ⅓ on the test and ⅔ on the role play, we focused before the conference on both taking multiple full-length practice tests as well as completing some practice role plays with case studies from past years.

How has DECA helped you prepare for your futures?

Although business is not the immediate goal for either one of us, it does teach you to think on your feet and good presentation skills. These communication and networking skills will be vital for whatever careers we end up in. Also, the people in DECA are some of the most confident and thoughtful that I know.

Who or what has inspired you?

We've been incredibly lucky to have some great advisors over the years. Freshman and sophomore years, we had Mrs. Wray, who has been in the organization for years and earned her nickname of "DECA mom" for all of us. This year, we've really enjoyed working with Mrs. Gonzalez, who is new to DECA but works incredibly hard and has done such a good job both as a teacher and building relationships with everyone in the club.

What are your post-graduation plans?

Andrew will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland to become a naval aviator. Matthew has committed to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to study Government.

We're proud of these two outstanding future leaders for their achievements and for bringing home "the glass" to Shorecrest.

Freshman year they placed first in state and made it to the Finals at ICDC in Florida. Determined to return and bring home glass.

While in Atlanta, the DECA team spent time with SW’s DECA team and went to DECA sponsored days at Six Flags, Coke World, and the Aquarium. The team also visited the King Center to learn about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and to see his birth house,

On the podium

Andrew and Matthew would like to thank their current (pictured) advisor, Mrs. Dianna Gonzalez and their previous advisor, Mrs. Wray for all of their incredible support.

The ICDC awards ceremony was held at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on April 26, 2022.

13 SC students attended ICDC in Atlanta 4/22-4/26 with advisor, Dianna Gonzalez.

The coveted glass trophy awarded to top three teams in each category.

First Shorecrest students to win at ICDC. Business Law and Ethics is their category. They placed first out of 150+ competitors in their category. 18,000 student competitors were in Atlanta at ICDC.