Edmond Memorial High School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) participates in a state-wide competition every year. This year was a great success for most of the students with seven first places, five second places and two third places. The competition consists of different events that can range from Sports to Entertainment Marketing to Travel/Tourism. The events are intended to teach students to work through real-life scenarios with their teammates in a set amount of time and present their ideas in well formed thoughts. 

“To prepare, my partner and I would practice previous marketing management scenarios,” Senior Avery Tur said. “We also had a DECA state judge come to our school and do a practice event with us and give us tips.”

The competition took place in Midwest City where the students stayed in a hotel with their classmates and teachers. During their one night stay, they spent most of their time in different events and practicing their skills while also having fun around the hotel. The events lasted all day in a presentation-style environment. The students are given a scenario by a set of judges, then given an allotted time to think and present a solution for their specific problem. The judges then award them based on their efforts and solutions. 

“It is really exciting to compete with other people from around the state and stay in the hotel with your friends just having fun and learning new things,” Senior Elise Long said.

DECA is an elective class intended to teach students about real-life business scenarios, the stock market, marketing tactics and other business/money related topics. As young adults, these topics are very important to later success in life with finances and careers.

“If you are planning on going into an entrepreneurship or business career, DECA will really help you,” Junior Noah Misuarca said. “I have also made a lot of friends and memories through this class.”

DECA State was a great success for Memorial with plenty of top three places and lots of opportunities for learning. 

Contact Avery Hamlin at [email protected]