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MCC business students win national trophies
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Eight members of the McCook Community College Phi Beta Lambda chapter recently brought home six national trophies from the national PBL leadership conference in Anaheim, Calif.
The team of Veronica Waddell and Ashley Noltensmeier won second place in Desktop Publishing, while fellow members Kasha Messersmith and Carlos Dominquez earned seventh place.
According to Lorrie Mowry, chapter co-adviser, "Every state is allowed two entries in each competition at nationals, so earning two top-10 finishes is phenomenal. Our students are competing against four-year colleges and universities around the nation, and we've earned five top-10 places in this event in the last three years!"
The desktop publishing event includes a comprehensive examination along with a design competition where students design a logo, business card, invitation, and flyer for a mock business, all under the pressure of a two-hour time frame.
The excitement of the awards ceremony continued, as immediately after earning national awards in desktop publishing, McCook Community College students were again called to the stage for the Digital Video Production Event. The team of Veronica Waddell and Kasha Messersmith earned second place in this event as well.
Waddell and Messermith's video entry challenged them to interview a local entrepreneur, and create a "story" of their business. They chose Matt and Shelly Sehnert from Sehnert's Bakery.
"Their video was excellent. I knew it was an award-winning entry," Mowry said. "They really captured the heritage, culture, and passion that Matt and Shelly have for their business."
Rounding out the competition was the MCC Hospitality Management team of Brittany Sutton and Ashley Noltensmeier, who placed in the top 15.
MCC students Brisa Rodriguez and Kyra Stark also participated in Hospitality Management. This event consists of a one-hour objective test and a role-playing scenario with a client where students are challenged to provide exemplary customer service and suggest appropriate resolutions.
"I was so proud of our students; just earning the right to participate at nationals is quite an honor. They walked into the National Conference and represented MCC, the community, and the state of Nebraska with poise, respect, and professionalism," Mowrie said. "We have to thank MCC Dean of Students, Michele Gill, for her support of student organizations, along with the entire MCC family and the McCook community. Our students appreciate everyone's support."