My name is Chloe Bowers, I’m a 17 year old junior at Cedar Ridge. I have been granted a very exciting opportunity; My leadership experience and performance in competitions earned me an invitation to DECA’s National Leadership Conference, Thrive Academy, in Atlanta, GA! This is a fantastic opportunity, but expensive. I am doing fundraising to try to be able to attend!

Here is some more information about myself and this opportunity!

I have a huge passion for leadership and business, and I am an avid member of my school’s DECA chapter!

What is Thrive Academy?

A 5-day immersive workshop-based learning experience hosted by DECA with guest speakers, networking opportunities with industry professionals, growth in leadership through lessons and hands-on activities, and extensive preparation for future careers!

What is DECA?

DECA is a business club where we compete in competitions at the district, state, and national level to prepare students for careers in the business industry. I have been a member for two years.

Some of my accomplishments include:

Year 1: Placed 3rd overall in Principles of Business Administration & Management

Year 2 (this year): Placed 2nd overall in Apparel & Accessories Marketing

Outside of DECA:

⭐️ Today, I just learned that I was selected as a 2026 Better Business Bureau Torch Scholarship winner for the Eastern Carolinas, awarding me $2,500 for college! 

⭐️ President and founder of CRHS Women in Leadership Club (3 years)

⭐️Marketing & Communications Intern at Paws4ever

⭐️Student Body Communications Officer (running the school’s social media, etc.)

⭐️Co-President of CRHS Random Acts of Kindness Club

⭐️115+ volunteer hours at Grady Brown Elementary

⭐️& much, much more!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can open up so many doors for me! Any help would make a HUGE difference and would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions!