The roar of the crowd filled the arena like a deafening thunder, each section vying for the attention of the announcer. Sure they tried, but no one beat Huntley High School when it came to enthusiasm.

That is why out of nearly 22,000 fans, two HHS business students went home with the coveted prize: a Chicago Bulls t-shirt. Senior Garrick McDaniel, who is in Cooperative Education, was one of them.

“The whole time was fun,” said McDaniel, referring to the business field trip he participated in last Wednesday for the second time since his sophomore year.

Students from Cooperative Education and Business Law, both taught by Mary Graft, and students from Marketing, taught by Jim Rolando, drove down to Chicago for the IFME Career Day. Taking place was a marketing education seminar, which featured six executive leaders from the Chicago Bulls business organization.

Each told a bit about their job and how they got started in sports management. They also offered helpful tips for success, stressing the importance of communication skills, networking, and internships.

“It was fun to hear about their career paths,” said Graft.

“Yeah, and how they got there,” added McDaniel.

The speeches were not only educational, but also motivational. Two executives described their career start by just approaching someone and offering to work for free; they were willing to do anything to prove their worth in sports marketing.

After the seminar, the students headed for dinner at Dick’s Last Resort. As many were clad in business-casual clothing, they probably took care to keep those ketchup bottles pointed outwards.

“You behave better, you act more professionally, you think higher of yourself when you dress for success,” said Graft regarding the extra credit opportunity.

With inspired minds and satisfied stomachs, the group ended the day back at the basketball arena where the Chicago Bulls won against the Dallas Mavericks 101-78.

“I like my field trips to have a strong element of fun, but to make sure that it is educational as well,” said Graft.

After 9 hours of business and the Bulls, there is no doubt the field trip had met those expectations.