8 area high schools to compete in DECA event at Owens Community College

Students from eight area high schools will showcase their knowledge and skills in marketing, merchandising, management and entrepreneurship as they compete in the DECA Fall Frenzy as part of a collaborative effort between Owens Community College and Penta Career Center.

The event will take place at Owens on Wednesday. from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the college’s Student Health and Activities Center and Audio/Visual Classroom Center on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Local high schools competing that day include Anthony Wayne High School, Bowling Green High School, Springfield High School, Maumee High School, Penta Career Center, Oak Harbor High School, Perrysburg High School, and Rossford High School.

DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a national organization dedicated to enhancing educational and career opportunities for high school and college students within the areas of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 1946, DECA has remained on the cutting edge of educational innovation, working with the business community to integrate academic achievement with career and technical skills. Each year the organization’s scholarship program awards over $250,000 in financial assistance to students, which are generated from more than 50 corporations.

Throughout the day, students will be faced with various real-world business scenarios in which they will have to provide explanations on how to effectively manage the situation. Such role-play scenarios will include apparel and accessories, food marketing, restaurant management, retail merchandising, hospitality and tourism, and sports and entertainment. Students will also take a written examination and participate in activities that will test their interview skills.

The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center. The top individuals will be honored based on judging of the team and series competitions.