In the News

Hamilton High School senior Michael Klomparens is headed to the international stage after capturing a DECA State Championship this past weekend in Detroit.

Competing in the Personal Financial Literacy event, Klomparens outperformed students from across Michigan to earn the top honor. The event required competitors to complete a 100-question exam along with two role-play scenarios that test students on real-world financial decision-making and problem-solving.

“I was super ecstatic, completely shocked,” Klomparens said. “It was a really great moment.”

His performance produced the highest overall average in the event, earning him the state championship plaque and a spot at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) this April in Atlanta, Georgia.

The international competition will bring together roughly 10,000 of the top DECA students from around the world, representing a program that includes more than 300,000 high school members globally.

Klomparens said the journey to this moment started years ago.

“We started preparing for DECA back when I was a sophomore,” he explained. “Practice role plays, practice tests, and everything Mr. Meiste taught us in class helped prepare us to compete at a professional level.”

When the finalists were called to the stage in Detroit, the excitement quickly turned into disbelief.

“When they brought out the plaques and called my name first, I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor,” he said.

Now, his focus shifts to competing against the world’s best.

“My biggest goal is just to get back up on that stage and hear my name called,” Klomparens said. “I’d love to earn a medal and see how I stack up against some of the toughest competitors in the world.”

Klomparens credited Hamilton DECA advisor Mr. Meiste for helping students reach this level of success.

“He’s been absolutely amazing helping each and every one of us,” Klomparens said. “He truly has a passion for education and teaching us these professional skills.”

More Hawkeye DECA Success

Klomparens wasn’t the only Hamilton student to shine at the state conference. Four additional Hawkeyes earned 2nd Place finishes in their events, making them International Runner-Ups:

• Kasey Thomas
• Christian Palmer
• Wyatt Wilson

• Sarah Lynne Kelley

These students also demonstrated outstanding preparation, professionalism, and business knowledge while competing against the top DECA members in the state.