Oak Forest HS DECA Competes in Area Competition and Wins

The Oak Forest High School DECA students recently competed in the South Suburban Area Competition at Moraine Valley Community College. The competition was fierce with 16 other schools and over 400 students participating.

Students competed in an Econ Examination, a Content-Specific Product Knowledge Examination and participation in a role play. OFHS did so well that they qualified for the state competition! DECA Sponsor Katie Gomez said, “Students had been preparing for competition since the beginning of the school year and they were excited and nervous to put their practice to work. Oak Forest students represented the District and the school well and they received glowing feedback from the judges about their professionalism, evidence of preparation and their overall competitive spirit.”

OFHS DECA students will compete at the State competition from February 22-24 in Rosemont, Illinois with hopes of qualifying for Nationals, which takes place the end of April. Those qualifying for the State competition are: Emma Kleber and Jeremy Griffin (Business Law and Ethics Team Decision); Noah Ruiz and Joe Termini (Buying and Merchandising Team Decision); Michael Stogsdill (Community Service Project); Flynn Hartigan and Brandi McManigal (Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making); Bashir Lawal (in both Food Marketing Series and Franchise Business Plan); Skylar Berent and Marie Denis and Peyton Nielsen and Justin Meline (Hospitality Services Team Decision); Margi Patel (Human Resources Management Series); Skylar Berent and Marie Denis, Emma Kleber and Jeremy Griffin, and Noah Ruiz, Joe Termini and Giovanni LaMarche (Learn and Earn Project), Yosra Abdulwahid and Reneen Allan (Personal Financial Literacy); Michael Stogsdill and Anthony Bailey (Principles of Marketing); Giovanni LaMarche (Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series); Andy Hults (Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series); Charlie Gallardo and Danny Gonsch, Matt Schwenkel and Jake Englund (Sport and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making); Peyton Nielsen and Justin Meline, Ben Howe and James McGlothlin, Jake Englund and Andy Hults, and Matt Schwenkel (Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan); Flynn Hartigan and Brandi McManigal and Yosra Abdulwahid, Reneen Allen, and Margi Patel (Start-Up Business Plan); Ben Howe and James McGlothlin (Travel and Tourism Team Decision); Matt Zamiar and BreAnna Kenney (Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan); Travis Murphy and Nick Garcia (Community Service Project); Abi Bartuzi and Hannah Schwertfegger (Learn and Earn Project); and Leonardo Montoya and Jose Ibarra (Advertising Campaign). Ms. Gomez said, “I am honored to work with this group of students and I am proud of how much they each have grown as individuals.”

Good luck at State Competition, DECA students!