It was a huge score for three of Whitewater High’s DECA students as they beat fierce competition to take the win in the Fall 2017 Atlanta Hawks Sports Marketing Competition.

Larry Voyles, JJ Riesberg and Walter Fulton placed first in the competition that focused on a branding campaign for the Atlanta Hawks arena.

The students pitched their ideas to Atlanta Hawks marketing executives, who served as judges. Their branding campaign, titled “#GetBuckets,” involved engaging fans by having them participate in two competitions. In one, any fan who posts a selfie wearing Hawks gear with the hashtag “Get Buckets” can be entered into a giveaway to win Hawks merchandise and/or Home Depot gift cards. In the other, between quarters, selected fans can be entered into a three-point contest to win a Hawks shirt with the “#GetBuckets” and Home Depot logo on it.

The students pointed out that the campaign benefits both the Hawks and Home Depot because it encourages fans to buy merchandise and attend games, and since Home Depot is a sponsor, the company gets free publicity and advertising.

The students won over the Hawks executives with their branding campaign, knocking out other DECA and Future Business Leaders of America students from throughout Georgia and Alabama.

DECA is an international student association that prepares emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.