In April, three SBHS students set new school records at the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Florida state competition. SBHS junior and DECA president Valentina Molinari’s heart leapt when she placed first at the state level in the automotive marketing category. Molinari was the first SBHS student to place first at states and campaign for Florida DECA President.
“I couldn’t believe I placed first. It was an overwhelming feeling of happiness yet relief that all my hard work paid off.” said Molinari. Although she did not expect it, she had spent a lot of time preparing.
“I had to deal with preparing myself to campaign, and spent a lot of hours studying for the DECA Career Cluster Exam as well as videotaping myself doing role-plays to see how I could improve,” Molinari shared.
In the Automotive Services Marketing Series category, participants are challenged to perform marketing functions and tasks related to auto dealers, service stations and related businesses or auto parts stores. After placing first at states, Molinari qualified for ICDC (International Career Development Conference)– where people from all over the world compete in a multitude of competitions.
SBHS Sade Hendricks placed third in the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism category. This category requires students to role-play using concepts associated with careers in hotels, restaurants, and tourism and travel.
“I did not expect this at all. I was very surprised when I found out I placed third. My biggest goal is to place at ICDC.” Hendricks stated. Hendricks is also the youngest in SBHS history to qualify for ICDC.
“It was very intimidating especially because they have more experience than me, but that only pushed me to try harder.” Hendricks said.
SBHS Senior Ariana Thibodeau wrapped up her senior year and DECA journey by earning the Dollars for Diamonds scholarship, an award that provides graduating student members $500 that honors current or past FL DECA leaders.
“Winning this scholarship means that I will be able to continue furthering my education journey and allow me to pave my own future with the resources needed,” Thibodeau stated. All three will be participating in ICDC on April 26th-29th for a chance at taking home the decadent DECA Glass.
