Mason Gover
On Thursday, November 21, the Watauga High School DECA club participated in a district competition in Shelby, North Carolina. The team performed exceptionally well, with several students emerging as overall finalists, earning awards for top test scores and role-play performances for each event.
DECA is a marketing club at Watauga High School open to students who are currently enrolled in or have completed a marketing class. The club participates in various competitions, conferences, and networking events, providing valuable opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in business and marketing after high school.
“DECA is a beneficial club for all students. They learn skills like critical thinking and communication skills, and they gain a lot of self-confidence, which is important for any business career that they might go into,” said Olivia Tarnkowski, the head of Watauga’s DECA club and marketing teacher.
This competition was one of several held throughout the year, spanning three levels: district, state, and international. At the district level, students compete against several other schools in their region, with events taking place across the globe.
The club's emphasis on skill development has paid off, as seen in its recent competition successes. By prioritizing training and continuous improvement, the team has refined its abilities and consistently performed at a high level, not just in this competition but in past ones as well.
Many students in DECA genuinely enjoy these competitions, as they provide an opportunity to connect on a more personal level and apply what they’ve learned outside the usual school environment.
“My favorite part about the competition was probably getting to use what we've been practicing and learning from each other for so long now,” said Harper Costin, freshman.
Costin, a first-year DECA member, placed first in the division of Principal of Business Management at the recent competition, a rare achievement among students of all grade levels.
While these competitions and events may seem enjoyable, they come with their fair share of challenges. The structure of DECA competitions is designed to push students to their limits, testing their understanding of core business principles and their ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios. Students from Watauga’s DECA club were able to achieve top-five and top-ten rankings, underscoring the competitive edge that DECA fosters in its members.
Before entering the district competition, students must complete a 100-question multiple-choice career cluster exam. Afterward, they compete against other schools in 'Role Plays,' where they demonstrate their problem-solving and communication skills in real-world business scenarios.
This year's district competitions were divided into five different sections: Apparel and Accessories Merchandising, Food Marketing, Principles of Business Management, Principles of Marketing, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Each section has its tests and role plays.
Each section challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills in unique ways, testing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. These rigorous events not only foster individual growth but also set the stage for outstanding achievements. This dedication to excellence was on full display in the recent DECA competition.
The team’s success in this recent competition is a great achievement and both the students and Tarnowski appreciated the opportunity to participate. Beyond strong performances, the event helped strengthen relationships and foster teamwork, highlighting the value of community within DECA.
“It's easy to get to know students through a classroom, but it's fun taking what we're learning in our class outside and applying it through our different competitions,” said Tarnowski. “But the relationship that I get to build with students, I think is my favorite part of DECA overall.”
With numerous students securing top placements across every category, the recent competition showcased the exceptional talent and dedication within DECA. This achievement reflects the rigorous preparation, strategic thinking, and mastery of business concepts of the organization. Such success is no accident; it highlights the hard work of students who not only excelled in their tests but also demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills in the role-play portions of the competition. DECA continues to prepare its members for future success, both academically and professionally.
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