NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Five Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School students attended the DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tenn., from April 22 through 27.

The students competed in marketing, hospitality and business-related activities.

In order to compete at the conference, students placed first or second in their competitive category at the state conference in March.

At the conference in Nashville, over 18,000 students from 50 states and nine countries competed. 

Competitions ranged from a 100-question exam and one or two role-play scenarios, to writing a 30-page paper and performing a 15-minute presentation.

Junior Ryland VanDecker finished in the top 16 in the country for his role-play in automotive services marketing. Each category has about an average of 150 students competing.

Ryland has placed first at the state competition twice, as a sophomore and junior. He has one more chance to compete at the international level again in 2017 as a senior in Anaheim, Calif.

Students also visited Broadway, Vanderbilt University, took a riverboat cruise on the General Jackson Showboat, went to a concert at the Grand Ole Opry and to the Nashville Zoo.

The average cost of the trip is $1,300 per student.

Those interested in donating money to send students for future conferences can contact Wendy Robichaud or Kristy Dillingham in the marketing program at 207-743-7756, ext. 5100, or Andrew Merrill in the hospitality program at 207-743-7756, ext. 9508.

Copy the Story Link