Rockport Ramblings: DECA students return from Atlanta event

ROCKPORT — They may not have won any awards, but the five students who represented Rockport's growing DECA chapter each had a wonderful experience competing at the organization's international conference held in Atlanta late last month.

Four students — Jessica Dunn, Whitney McIntosh, Florian Roell and Kaitlyn Carter — qualified to compete at the annual conference by placing fourth or better in state competition in March. Dunn, a junior, finished in first place overall in general marketing research at the state level in Boston.

Rockport DECA advisor, Scott Larsen, also chose Ian Sonia to come along on the trip to attend the DECA Leadership Academy seminar.

"It was a wonderful experience with over 14,000 students," Larsen said. "The fun part was talking to people around the hotel, in the elevators, at restaurants and the Georgia Dome."

They stayed in the heart of downtown Atlanta, and witnessed some of the impact of the March tornadoes. Many windows of their hotel were still damaged. The students visited the CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola, Stone Mountain and even attended game four of the Celtic's/Hawks quarterfinal playoff series. Unfortunately, the Celts lost the game.

"I want to thank those who supported the trip financially by making donations," Larsen said.

DECA, an organization of students whose leadership and personal development programs are specifically shaped for students enrolled in marketing education, was once known as the Distributive Education Clubs of America.

Rockport's chapter is made up of 64 junior and senior members. This year marked the first time a Rockport member qualified for the international competition since 2005.

At the international competition, students choose an area such as technical sales or international marketing and either take a test, role-play with judges or make a presentation. Those students qualifying for the competition next year will travel to Anaheim, Calif.

Oscar winner Andrew Stanton, a Rockport native and writer and director of Disney/Pixar's 2003 smash hit "Finding Nemo," is in the news again this month in advance of his new animated feature film — "Wall*E".

Stanton, 42, was interviewed by Edward Lewine in the May 4 edition of the New York Times magazine. Though Stanton may be a celebrity, he has not forgotten about his Cape Ann roots.

When Lewine asked Stanton to describe his favorite vacation spot, Stanton replied: "We're from a little seacoast town called Rockport, Mass. It's idyllic. I try to go back every summer for the Fourth of July and still drag my kids if they're willing."

"We've got a framed nautical map of Rockport Harbor," said Stanton, who married his childhood sweetheart. "It probably cost more to frame than to buy, but it is our favorite work of art on the wall."

New Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Sarah Wilkinson took the opportunity to announce a new program Tuesday night that she hopes will shine light on people doing positive things around town.

Each month, "Recognize Rockporters" will recognize the "outstanding achievements" of a nominated Rockporter.

Wilkinson said it would be nice to start Board of Selectmen meetings by hearing stories about people doing "something nice and good for their community."

Residents can recommend someone for the honor by contacting the Board of Selectmen's office at 978-546-6786 or by emailing selectmen@town.rockport.ma.us.

r The Board of Selectmen interviewed Peter Vandemark for appointment to the recently-established Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee. Vandemark told selectmen he had 35 years of experience in cartography (mapmaking).

Vandemark said the last attempt at a plan in 1997 failed due to the lack of adequate mapping. The board will most likely appoint Vandemark at its next meeting, Tuesday, May 27.

r This week, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce announced the 'Rockport Small Business Persons of the Year' award recipients as Charlie and Terry Brackett of Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant, They will be honored during a reception for all Cape Ann winners on June 3 at the Emerson Inn by the Sea.

Saturday, May 10: First place (tie), Lester Stockman and Elaine Luongo and Molly Foster and Ann Millar, 38 1/2; second (tie), Muriel Davis and Gus Lawson and Bill and Cate Holloway, 30.

Tuesday, May 13: First place, Bill Parsons and Gus Lawson, 43; second (tie), Loretta Mineo and Bernice Blitz and Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 39 1/2; third, Herb Baker and Merrill Gerstner, 38 1/2.

Thursday, May 15: First place, Marge Baker and Elaine Luongo, 50 1/2; second, Molly Foster and Ann Millar, 48; third, Greg Hannifan and Gus Lawson, 47.

People interested in joining the Duplicate Bridge Club can contact Mrs. Davis at 978-546-7386. She said people do not need a background with the duplicate scoring format in order to join.

Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Ramblings, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000, ext. 3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.

Photos

Five Rockport High School students competed in the DECA organization's international competition in Atlanta last month after finishing fourth or better in state competition. From left, Ian Sonia, Florian Roell, Whitney McIntosh and Kaitlyn Carter. Not pictured: Jessica Dunn. Staff photo