Aplington-Parkersburg students Emma Haan and Ellie Reints finished in first place in the community giving project category at the Iowa DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) State Career Development Conference at Southeast Polk High School on February 15.
Partnering with the Parkersburg Historical Society, Haan and Reints developed a plan to host a murder mystery theater event at the historic Wolf Mansion in Parkersburg. To compete at the state level, the students submitted a written proposal outlining their plan for the event before presenting it to judges at the conference. A-P DECA Advisor Stacy Ascher shares the state judge’s feedback.
“That judge really spoke highly of the project, thought it was so unique and really enjoyed it. That was the feedback that I got directly from the girls,” says Ascher. “The whole part of the community giving too is, to promote the great historical home that we have here in the Parkersburg community. Giving back, in that way as well.”
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Since its founding in 1946, the organization has served more than ten million students, educators, administrators, and business professionals nationwide. Ascher highlights the impact DECA is having at A-P.
“The kids have really grown into their own, as far as just thinking of different ways to solve problems, critical thinking and communicating. They are really building a unique niche within Aplington-Parkersburg, getting this chapter up and running. I couldn’t be more proud of the students, how they’ve kind of gone and tried something new. I’m really appreciative of the students that competed at the state level and even at the district level back in November.”
The murder mystery event will be held on Saturday, March 28 at the Wolf Mansion in Parkersburg. Tickets are now available to the public. Haan and Reints will have the opportunity to present their project at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on April 25-28.
Full Interview with A-P DECA Advisor Stacy Ascher:
More information:
Murder Mystery Tickets – Parkersburg Historical Society
Iowa DECA – iowadeca.org
