DECA Advisor / Teacher Needs Funding for Competition

Hello, my name is Michael Hicks and I am proud to be the advisor for DECA at Jay M. Robinson High School here in Concord, NC!

I have 4 great student members who were winners at the state competition 3 weeks ago. They can only go to the ICDC International Competition in Anaheim, CA April 23-28, 2013 if I can go, and that is the problem I face. I simply can't do it financially. I have a young son who had medical bills that I need to pay and that has reduced my ability to pay as much as it will take to the trip. The parents have kindly provided for the airfare for me, but I have to fund the room and registration.

The parents of the qualifying members and me are participating in a fundraiser (working a concert at Time Warner Cable Arena next week) to help fund our members who are competing, but given the short time frame, I am not sure we can raise enough to help the kids AND me go to the competition.

DECA is an organization that helps prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Please check out this link: http://youtu.be/ZC8CC-dLwDc

This is such a great opportunity to show the school and the community the benefits of having a vibrant and competitive DECA club in our county. We have grown from 5 members to almost 35 in 5 years (and the interest throughout the school keeps growing). We have also been successful in the regional and state competitions!

Last year we had 6 medalists/finalists at the state competition in Greensboro out of 10 that went to compete with one 2nd place winner for Principles of Marketing. The state rules are that an advisor's expenses (room, flight and registration) would only be compensated if they had a 1st place winner. Our kids came in 4th, and since only 1st through 4th place qualify for the next level, they now have a golden opportunity, if only I can find a way to join them (that is the rule).

I feel we have a great shot to bring home awards from the ICDC! I have approximately 3 weeks to raise funds to help these wonderful kids get to the competition.

PLEASE help me with ANY contribution that you can. Look at it as an investment in these 'future business leaders', and in my efforts to help them along the road to success. Thank you!

Michael Hicks

CTE Business and Marketing Education DECA ADVISOR / Assistant Football Coach

Jay M. Robinson High School 300 Pitts School Road SW

Concord, NC 28025