CARIBOU — The Caribou Regional Technology Center’s DECA club (formerly the Distributive Education Clubs of America) recently had the opportunity to compete at the statewide competition in Portland, and kept Caribou’s winning streak alive for the fifth year in a row.
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Contributed photo Members of the Caribou Regional Technology Center’s DECA club recently traveled to Portland to compete in the state DECA competition. Keeping Caribou’s winning record alive for the fifth year are, from left, Ricky Sheldon, who won third place -in food and marketing; Paul Hanson and Nick Pelletier, first place team in buying and merchandising management; and Noah Margeson, first place -in retail merchandising. The team was accompanied by adviser and business/marketing instructor Reed Nonken. |
All members placed in their full events and have now earned the right to go to the national competition, which will be held in Nashville in April.
The CRTC’s DECA club is part of the business and marketing program of study at the technology center, taught by instructor Reed Nonken, who also serves as club adviser.
“The wins at the state competition speak to the strength of the program of study at the technology center and the abilities of our students,” Nonken said. “I am so proud of these students and feel that once again we have shown that our students can complete head-to-head with the larger schools downstate and win.”
Taking home awards from the competition were: Paul Hanson and Nick Pelletier, first-place team, buying and merchandising management; Noah Margeson, first place, retail merchandising; and Ricky Sheldon, third place, food and marketing.
Nonken said the group also participated in a combined effort with the members of the Caribou High School Gifted and Talented group, competing at the Junior Achievements’ statewide Titan Challenge Feb. 24 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
DECA is an organization that enhances the co-curricular education of students with interests in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. The club helps students develop skills and competence for marketing careers, build self-esteem, experience leadership and practice community service.
Members have the opportunity to participate in state and national competitions, and gain valuable experiences in real-life marketing related activities. At the national level, students have the opportunity to compete along with more than 18,000 other youth from across the world in business and marketing elements.
