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MONTEZUMA — A March Madness Bracket Challenge is now underway at Montezuma Community Schools to raise funds to send four students to the DECA International Career Development Conference next month in Orlando, Fla.
Briar Simpson qualified for the event in personal financial literacy, Taylor Wilcox and Abbi Henkle in travel and tourism team decision making and Emma Snook in principles of hospitality.
“These outstanding students earned their spots at ICDC through their success at the state competition last month,” said Kevin Gartman, business teacher and DECA adviser.
“They demonstrated their knowledge and skills in business, marketing, and leadership. Now, they have the opportunity to compete at the highest level against students from around the world.”
Traveling to ICDC comes with costs, including registration, flights and hotel expenses. The program is asking for community support to help make this dream a reality for the four qualifying students.
Bracket Challenge
The Montezuma Chapter is now offering a March Madness Bracket Challenge fundraising event. If you would like to participate in the challenge, visit the DECA table at the Montezuma Community Development’s Bingo Night at Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Information on the bracket challenge was also available earlier at parent-teacher conferences.
Brackets are $5 each or five for $20. Participants compete for prizes while supporting the four students headed to Orlando. Prizes for first through third places will be awarded.
If you have questions or a fundraising opportunity, contact Kevin Gartman at [email protected].
Other ways to support the students include a cash or check donation payable to Montezuma Community School or a Venmo donation to Kevin Gartman (@Kevin-Gartman on Venmo).
“Every contribution — big or small — helps our students represent Montezuma on the international stage,” said Gartman.
State DECA results
The Montezuma DECA Chapter competed at state competition Sunday, Feb. 16 at Southeast Polk High School. Montezuma students competed in several different individual or partner competitions, bringing home several top honors.
Each DECA competition had two parts — a case study and an exam. Students were given 10 minutes (individual competitions) or 30 minutes (partner competitions) to review a case study they had not seen prior, take notes and make recommendations, and prepare a presentation to a judge/judges.
On Monday, Feb. 17, students ventured to the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for state awards. The top three individuals/teams in each competition move on to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando at the end of April.
Below are results.
Grand Awards (Qualified for Internationals)
•Briar Simpson — Personal Financial Literacy — 1st Overall
•Elizabeth De Jong and Taylor Wilcox — Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making — 3rd Overall
•Alexa Rose — Principles of Entrepreneurship — 3rd Overall
•Emma Snook — Principles of Hospitality — 3rd Overall
•David Rose — Principles of Finance — 4th Overall, First Alternate — Qualified
Mini Awards (State Finalists — Recognized for Success in One Area)
•Briar Simpson — Personal Financial Literacy — 1st in Exam, 1st in Role Play
•Isaac Wedgewood — Hotel and Lodging Management — 1st in Role Play
•Sophia Semprini — Principles of Business Management and Administration — 3rd in Role Play
•Alexa Rose — Principles of Entrepreneurship — 2nd in Role Play
•Emma Snook — Principles of Hospitality — 3rd in Role Play
•David Rose — Principles of Finance — 3rd in Role Play
Briar Simpson was also recognized as the chapter's Most Outstanding Member.