By Sanorah Eldred

The DECA, or Distributive Education Clubs of America , state competition was recently won by Lindenwood’s own Sydney Schader and Emma Rogers. The goal and purpose of the competition is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges. Throughout the competition process, the participants not only get to engage in good hearted competition but learn through experience as well.

Typically, the competition was held in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, where multiple colleges would meet to compete. This year, however, was a little different. Instead of making the three-hour long trip, students were asked to complete their presentation through Zoom. Though this was new terrain, team-mates Sydney Schader and Emma Rogers were able to successfully earn first place and will be advancing to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). In this next competition they will be able to compete with students from all across the world and continue to hone their skills.

As Sydney Schader prepares for the upcoming competition, she reflects on her prior experience and the support she has received when she said, “Our advisor Emily Albers, as well as former advisor Craig Felzien have supported us each year in providing us with the resources and tools we need to prepare for competition and compete each year. Whether that is giving us feedback and advice on our projects, or reserving rooms, they have been there to assist us. Additionally, other PSBE faculty have congratulated us on our accomplishment and that always feels good!” 

This support was essential in ensuring competitive success, but it was their hard work that allowed them to earn the success they have achieved.

This continued goal of success is one that is shared with all Lindenwood members. That means you! As Sydney has suggested, “Get involved with us! We meet a few times a semester to check in and prepare for competition. Competing is a great opportunity to challenge and develop your skills.” By taking the knowledge obtained from the classroom, outside the classroom, students will be able to see just how fruitful a Lindenwood Education can be.