PCCTC Students On The Road to International DECA

Ten students from the Porter County Career and Technical Center recently participated in the State DECA competition, an event that helps give students a taste of the business world, in the areas of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. 5 of the students placed in the competition, competing against close to 45 participants per event.

Andrew Sharp, a senior at Morgan Township, placed 1st overall in Written Entrepreneurship. Andrew wrote a 30 page business plan concerning the conversion of his family’s barn into a restaurant that would serve meat raised on their farm, presenting it twice in front of several judges, the first time competing against 19 students, the second against 6 of the original 19. When asked how he prepared for the competition, Andrew referred to the proof reading help he had received from community members and teachers, on top of the skills he had gained in his marketing class at the career center. “I am learning more in this class here than any other,” he stated.

Mitch Stevenson, a junior at Wheeler, also participated at State DECA, in the Restaurant/Food Service Management competition, consisting of a 100 question test and 2 role play situations. The role plays are judged based on five performance indicators, such as changing the menu and dealing with customer issues. After 10 hours of preparation and practice role plays, along with the skills gained from his class, Mitch placed 6 out of 40 contestants, along with placing top 3 in one of the two role plays. “It was a really good experience,” said Mitch, reflecting on his DECA competition, sharing how he will apply these skills he’s acquired to his future career goals. “I encourage people to take the [marketing] class and to take both years, as you can earn up to 12 [college] credit hours.”

Courtney Mason, junior at Portage High School, Summer Wells, junior at Valparaiso High School, and Nathan Johnson, senior at Valparaiso High School also competed at State DECA, in events from Apparel and Accessories to Marketing and Sports Management. All three enthusiastically shared the value of their experience and the fun they had.

Andrew, along with a student from the afternoon marketing class, Stephanie Bouche', will be continuing on to the International DECA competition, held in Orlando at the end of April. The students are raising money to help offset the costs of their trip by selling candy bars and cookies. If interested in purchasing the sweets, or helping to contribute to their trip costs in any way, contact Judy Commers at 219.531.3170 ext 234 or by email at jcommers@mail.valpo.k12.in.us.