Marketing students excel at state competition

SPARTA — After competing at the regionals in January, 77 members of Sparta High School’s DECA chapter advanced to the state competition which was held in Cherry Hill at the end of February.

At Sparta High School, students who are enrolled in marketing classes have the ability to participate in the DECA program. DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Many of these students created an extensive research study analyzing local business websites, and implemented a strategic plan to improve the sites. Other areas of competition include role playing activities and written exams in marketing occupational areas.

Sparta had 35 students receive awards and recognition at the conference. Twenty-three students qualified, and will represent Sparta High School DECA as they go on to compete at Nationals in Anaheim, California this Amonth. These students include Stephen Epstein, Mariel Householder, Chase LaBeau, Rushi Patel, CJ Doyle, Courtney Czapelski, Kristina Genovese, Sam Sanguinetti, Meg Casey, Nicole Rotyliano, Gina Castellano, Erika Bethmann, Lauren Fabiano, Lauren Hunt, Rob Burns, Amanda Mancuso, Frank Dolce, Jacqueline Foley, Mark Donahue, Eric Reinhard, Tyler Mead, Liz Anderson and Drew Garger.

Other winners included Samantha Bird, Mandie Nick, Jenny Quinn, Lauren Scaglione, Shannon McIntyre, Alissa Brink, Joelle Gratkowski, Michele Keller Tory Bahnsen and Dan Marahano.