Staff report

The Lakeland High School DECA Chapter competed at the DECA State Leadership Conference Feb. 28 – March 2 in Richmond.

DECA, an association of marketing students, provides those enrolled in marketing courses the opportunity to develop leadership and marketing skills through a variety of club activities.

The Lakeland High School DECA Chapter was awarded the Blue Chip award, which is the highest honor awarded a DECA chapter. The award is based on activities and DECA involvement of the local chapter.

Lakeland DECA members also competed in chapter events as well as individual events.

The following Lakeland DECA members received awards at the DECA.

In the Creative Marketing Research event, Kristina Malden and Allison Robertson were state finalists.

In the Learn and Earn event, Sara Burrus, Javonda Powell, and Ashley Brinkley were state finalists.

In the Public Relations event, Amber Williams and Kristen Worrell were state finalists.

Billy Higbea earned an award for his Technical Sales presentation.

Laura Harris and Christina Harris were awarded $1,000 scholarships for their DECA involvement.

Morgan Yeager and Laura Harris won a DECA Merit Award for their contributions to DECA. Robin Evans, Michael Johnfinn, Laura Harris, Christina Harris, and William Whitfield won DECA honor society awards.

Continuing to the national DECA competition in Orlando, Fla. will be Laura Harris, Elizabeth Combs, who won first place in the Hospitality Research event as well as Brenna Crosson and Brandi Cook were state runners-up in the Business and Financial Research event.

Lakeland High School DECA has over 120 members.

Advisors are Theresa Caffeee and Laura Smith.

– Submitted by Morgan Yeager, Lakeland High School DECA member