Members of the successful Marshall High School DECA team include, from left, Maddy Keller, Rachel Hartley, Symone Campbell and Regan Hartley. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

Any time a high school team places at state it is a major accomplishment.

However, a team right here in Marshall not only placed at state but went on to nationals.

The DECA competition team at Marshall High School participated in the National Competition in Atlanta, Ga., April 25-30, earning 21st place overall.

DECA is an international group of high school and college students with an objective to support the development of marketing and management in a variety of areas.

Regan Hartley, Rachel Hartley, Symone Campbell and Maddy Keller made up the team that qualified for the national event by placing first in districts Feb. 13 and fourth March 16-18 at state.

"As a team, the three of us were very compatible," said Campbell, explaining why the team had been so successful.

"We had a lot of community support," added Rachel Hartley.

The DECA girls also attributed much of their success to the guidance of their advisor, Cara Posegate.

The group competed in the Entrepreneurship Written Event, which entails writing an essay and presenting it to a panel of judges.

The MHS squad focused the paper on their business "The Ice Box."

Membership in DECA has not only allowed the girls to compete and have fun, but it has also made them better prepared for a career in marketing.

"You get the opportunity to network and improve public speaking," said Rachel Hartley.

"You have a whole new business mindset," added Campbell.

Contact Travis Watts at marshallreporter@socket.net