Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College’s DECA chapter has secured “Chapter of the Year” honors at the Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference, held in Lake Ozark, Mo., Feb. 25-26. Two members of the Three Rivers chapter also won individual awards, which qualify them to advance to multi-national competition at the Collegiate DECA international conference in Washington, D.C.

Three Rivers’ DECA students competed against 140 students from colleges and universities across Missouri at the state conference. For the “Chapter of the Year” award, students Rebecca Cato of Doniphan and Melissa Speers of Poplar Bluff were interviewed on behalf of the chapter about their activities and experiences as part of DECA at Three Rivers.

In addition to the chapter award, two students won awards in individual competitions. Alex Strauts of Poplar Bluff won second place in the Retail Management competition, and Madison Miller won third in Banking and Financial Services. Students in the individual competitions are required to formulate and present a response to a theoretical problem in their chosen field. Both Strauts and Miller will advance to compete at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference, to be held April 16-20 in Washington, DC.

DECA is an international organization that helps high school and college students across the country prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through professional development, education, and networking opportunities. For more information on how to support or participate in DECA at Three Rivers College, contact Dr. Martha Kirkman at mkirkman@trcc.edu.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.

Shown in the photos:  DECA students from Three Rivers College pose with their awards from the Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference. From L-R: Alex Strauts of Poplar Bluff, second place, Retail Management; Rebecca Cato of Doniphan, interviewee for Chapter of the Year; Melissa Speers of Poplar Bluff, interviewee for Chapter of the Year; and Madison Miller, third place in Banking and Financial Services.

Article and photo submitted by Three Rivers College Media Services.