Congratulations to the Demopolis High School DECA Club for having eight of its members advance to the international competition in Louisville, Ky., on April 25-27!

DHS had five first-place winners, two second-place finishers and one third-place finisher at the state competition held in Montgomery earlier this week. Students placing among the top three in each event advance to the international competition.

Junior Colin Russell was voted vice president of District 4, and the club was recognized for reaching the highest level in the state recognition program.

Finishing in first place in their events were Leanna Parker and Aryn Wilborn in buying and merchandising, Colin Russell in marketing management, Morgan Cooper in business services marketing and Andrew Gwin in technical sales. Second-place finishers were Rebecca England in technical sales and Kate Boland in advertising campaign, while Emily Bedsole placed third in fashion merchandising promotion plans.

While we appropriately celebrate the DHS football team’s championship season, consider that it has been 17 years since a Demopolis High School DECA member has not been to international competition. Many of the current club members were not even born then.

DECA teaches students about business and leadership, about what to do to succeed in the working world. Students learn about the nature of commerce, how to develop a working plan and follow it to its success.

I think the success of the Demopolis DECA Club is astounding and speaks well for the DHS students who have been members over the years. Colin Russell, who was elected vice president for District 4 this week, was the only student from Alabama to be recognized at the 2009 international competition in California.

This level of success is something that is all but unheard of in the sports arenas of Alabama. Sweet Water’s string of state quarterfinals appearances is comparable.

Congratulations to the team and its sponsor, Lucinda Mason. Not only does this success help our students shine, but with the work involved, it helps these future business people to succeed after graduation.

David B. Snow is the managing editor of the Demopolis Times.