On Wednesday, January 19, GCHS DECA competed in the 2022 Regional Competition at Murray State University.

“Everyone did so well at the regional competition this year,” said DECA adviser Michelle McKee. “We had 35 first-place winners this year. I couldn’t be more proud of our crew this year.”

GCHS DECA boasts the largest chapter in the state.

Students competed in a variety of events and either completed a 100-question business/marketing exam, presented their own ideas for solving real-world business challenges, or presented written projects. First place winners competed in written events, team decision making, role-plays, individual tests, and team tests.

“It was so exciting to get 1st place for my last regional competition,” said senior DECA member Reese Gream. “I can’t wait to go to state and hopefully win 1st place there.”

1st Place Winners

National Events

Macey Evitts, Aubrey Morse, & Marley Shoulta – Integrated Marketing Campaign – Event – “Pigs, Politics, & Picnics (Fancy Farm Picnic)” (test, 10-page paper, presentation)

Anna Grace Fowler, Madison Kinsey, & Brooklyn Williams – Integrated Marketing Campaign – Service – “Pretty in Pink Palooza” (test, 10-page paper, presentation)

Brooke Howry – Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling – “Marketing a Virtual 5K Race” – marketing test and presentation)

Lizzie Irions and Conlee Spann – Buying & Merchandising Team Decision Making Event (test and presentation)

Ryan Beth Goodman and Sadie Youngblood – Hospitality Services Team Decision Making Event (test and presentation)

Hannah McAdoo and Jayden Hester – Financial Services Team Decision Making Event (test and presentation)

Ryan Barnett and Jaelyn Thompson – Marketing Management Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Hannah Beth Elliott and Reese Gream – Travel & Tourism Marketing Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Emily Oliver – Personal Financial Literacy (test)

Karson Elliott – Principles of Business Management & Administration (test)

Kaden Gregory – Principles of Hospitality & Tourism (test)

Natalie Sims – Apparel & Accessories Marketing (test)

Cole Katzman – Automotive Services (test)

Clay Cooper – Business Finance (test)

Ryan Hayden – Business Services Marketing (test)

Avery Thompson – Food Marketing (test)

Emma Hancock – Hotel & Lodging Management (test)

Conner Thomas – Marketing Communications (test)

Jamie Griffin – Quick Serve Restaurant Management (test)

Anna Whitaker – Restaurant & Food Service Management (test)

Alec Jenkins – Sports & Entertainment Marketing (test)

KY-Only Events

Jack Throgmorton – KY Entrepreneurship Functions (test)

Jay Patel – KY Free Enterprise Basics (test)

Taylor Woods – KY Marketing (test)

Bhavik Patel – KY Retailing Concepts (test)

Levi Whitaker – KY Sports & Entertainment Marketing (test)

2nd Place Winners

National Events

Jordan Coles and Lainey Smith – Integrated Marketing Campaign – Event – “The Giving Tree” (test, 10-page paper, presentation)

Alexa Raney – Professional Selling Event – “Marketing Services that Promote Business Safety” – (test and presentation)

Anna Reese Binkley and KJ Gregory – Business Law & Ethics Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Ellie Swift and Ellie West – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Mikaila Belknap and Addison Larrison – Financial Services Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Fletcher Anderson and Clint McKee – Marketing Management Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Carson Carrico and Sylas Ingram – Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Peyton Frick and Hadley Lindsey – Travel & Tourism Marketing Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Mark Whitaker – Food Marketing (test)

Margarita Macias – Restaurant & Food Service Management (test)

Zach Alexander – Retail Merchandising (test)

Braden Woodward – Principles of Finance (test)

KY-Only Events

Aaron Smith – KY Entrepreneurship Functions (test)

Ellie Davis – KY Finance (test)

Natalie Gardner – KY Free Enterprise Basics (test)

Brielle Tinsman – KY Hospitality & Tourism Essentials (test)

Tory Thomasson – KY Marketing (test)

Jace Barbee – KY Retailing Concepts (test)

Hadley Looper – KY Sports & Entertainment Marketing (test)

3rd Place Winners

National Events

Wade Anderson and Briley VeuCasovic – Business Law & Ethics Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Cade Goatley and Cayden Goodman – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Audrey Dowdy – Apparel & Accessories Marketing (test)

Grant Phillips – Human Resources Management (test)

Ebonee Bell – Retail Merchandising (test)

KY-Only Events

Norma Gonzalez – KY Entrepreneurship Functions (test)

Wesley Felts – KY Finance (test)

Taylor Jackson – KY Hospitality & Tourism Essentials (test)

Jessica Mills – KY Marketing (test)

Caleb Jackson – KY Retailing Concepts (test)

4th Place Winners

National Events

Gabby Hayden and Lukas Pigg – Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making (test and presentation)

Luke Nesler – Sports & Entertainment Marketing (test)

Lily Gossum – Principles of Business Management & Administration (test)

KY-Only Events

Joselyn Leonard – KY Entrepreneurship Functions (test)

Audrey Smith – KY Finance (test)

AJ Wilson – KY Free Enterprise Basics (test)

Braylee Smith – KY Hospitality & Tourism Essentials (test)

Audrey Lamb – KY Marketing (test)

Drew Davis – KY Sports & Entertainment Marketing (test)

5th Place Winners

National Events

Ellie Youngblood – Entrepreneurship (test)

Gavin Newsome – KY Hospitality & Tourism Essentials (test)