Last month, 18 Oxford High School students competed at the DECA state competition in Vicksburg, and two of them earned a spot on the Mississippi national team.

During the DECA state competition, which included over 1,000 other high school students, Lucia Heiskell and Annie Seigle qualified to compete in the DECA international Career Development Conference April 29 through May 2 in Nashville.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the world. In its 75-year history, DECA has impacted the lives of more than 10 million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals. The high school division includes 220,000 members in 3,775 schools.

“It’s a tremendous honor for our students to represent OHS and OSD on a national level,” said Stacy Murchison, OHS DECA advisor. “I am so proud of our talented students throughout competitions at the district and state levels. Without a doubt, this well-deserved experience will help prepare our students for a future in a highly-competitive, global workforce.”

Alternate finalists medal winners included Frances Abernathy, Abbi Lay, Hannah Randall and Gigi Yoste. Top state test score medal winners included Hieskell, Lay, Seigle, Ella O’Neill and Molly Swingle.

Oxford High School was also recognized for being a part of the “HERE WE GO” national DECA membership drive campaign with 40 members in our high school chapter.