04-03-2025
CC Academy students do well in state DECA competition
The Central Carolina Academy chapter of DECA participated in events during the annual North Carolina DECA Career Development Conference in Greensboro from Feb. 27 through March 1.
Workshops, training sessions, exhibits, general sessions and competitive events were among the offerings.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe, according to
Twenty-four students competed in various areas of business and marketing to demonstrate proficiency. Over 5,900 high school students from across the state participated in the 2025 Conference.
The team of Kinleigh Westbrook, Abby Ashley and Lexi Fish all earned proficiency from a combination of testing and interview, placed sixth in their competition and are now eligible to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Florida in April.
In only its third year as a school, the accomplishment of being recognized on stage was a first for Central Carolina Academy.
'We had a combination of students working in teams and as individuals on projects and presentations that had to be submitted for review ahead of time,' explained advisor Natalie Chubbs.
Other students who achieved proficiency in their competitive events were:
• Lily Liles and Gracie Norris (Hospitality Services)
• Tanner Reichel and Sara Forte (Travel & Tourism Marketing)
• Jenali Miller and Carson Perry (Personal Selling)
• Jude Stump (Entrepreneurship Business Plan)
• Avery Mcfarland, Helen Mistler and Charlotte Miller (Hotel Lodging Management)
• Kyra McGee and Jacelyn Scott (Quick Serve Restaurant Management)
• Thailik McCormack (Principles of Marketing)
• Raiah Dona (Apparel and Accessories Marketing)
Two separate groups of students competed in the Community Awareness Project. The first group (Kinleigh Westbrook, Abby Ashley, and Lexi Fish) had a topic that brought attention to impacts of hearing loss and Cholesteatomas. Their project was entitled 'Can you hear me?'
Seniors Danika Brewster, Brea Williamson, and Tatum Cole in the second group chose a project that addressed 'The Urgent Crisis of Fentanyl.'
As a second phase of the Entrepreneurship Business Plan event, Jude Stump introduced a business plan.
All of the students presented in front of judges during the competition in Greensboro.
In addition, two students participated in professional selling events. Chapter president Jenali Miller made a proposal on sustainability recommendations for a major hotel chain. Carson Perry presented recommendations for a customer relations management system for a major retail chain.
Two separate teams represented the school in team decision making events. Lily Liles and Gracie Norris chose the Hospitality Services competition. Tanner Reichel and Sara Forte participated in the Travel & Tourism Marketing category.
In November more than 30 students participated in district level competitions. They built on experience gained there to help in preparing for the state Career Development Events.
