NPHS DECA sets sights on district competition

On Jan. 13, the North Putnam High School DECA team is set to be the only Putnam County school to compete in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) district competition at Indiana State University.

The student organization is built for high school and college students, as well as teachers, to prepare them for careers in entrepreneurship, hospitality, marketing and management roles.

North Putnam High School DECA students prepare for a district competition to be held at Indiana State University on Jan. 13, by participating in a district-wide event where they were the only Putnam County school to participate. Students Leah Kennedy (left, back row), Kiara Nicholson, Anita Scott, Ali Elmore, Caitlyn Osborn, Emily Stine, Darion Brown, Rorie Buchanan and Erin McDaniel; Christian Pingleton (left, front row), Kayla Cohen, Sierra Witty, Haley Wilson and Brittany Garo show off medals and celebrate participation in the October competition. (Courtesy photo provided by NYKI JORDAN)

"It is a way for them to gain a professional experience with business, interviewing and public speaking," NPHS business teacher and DECA team leader Nyki Jordan explained.

The association also provides students the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity that is different from sports and allows new friendships to be made.

"They like being a part of something," Jordan said, adding with a slightly humorous tone that, "They also like to win medals."

Competitions allow students to study specific avenues of various career possibilities, such as sports entertainment marketing.

After choosing a particular event, students then study for a test and a role-playing activity that asks them to solve everyday problems that are actually part of the career path they've chosen to study.

"It gives students real world experience, not just text book experience," Jordan said.

NPHS participated in an October event to help them prepare for the upcoming competition.

Practice will continue ramping up in frequency as the Jan. 13 competition date draws near.

Students will study sample tests and scenarios taken from years past in an attempt to be as well-rounded for their events as possible.

And although hard work outside of school is required, it is often expenses of the big events that present the biggest hurdle to students, especially those in more rural settings.

With fewer large companies and less industry to provide sponsorship, there are less resources available for rural teams.

Putnam County DECA teams are always seeking local businesses to mentor, sponsor or support high school DECA so that events such as the January district competition can be attended by every student who is interested and capable.

Persons or businesses interested in sponsoring, mentoring or supporting the NPHS DECA organization may contact Nyki Jordan by email at njordan@nputnam.k12.in.us or by telephone at 522-6282 ext. 324.

Numerous students won medals and placed within a variety of categories at the October DECA competition at Indiana State University: Erin McDaniels was in the group problem-solving award; Leah Kennedy took first place for marketing test and role play; Emily Stine took second place marketing test and role play; Brittany Garo took third in marketing test; Darion Brown won best dressed and role play; Emma Harrison and Christian Pingleton took best dressed awards; Rorie Buchanan took the leadership award and Caitlyn Osborn won a community service award.

Kiara Nicholson, Nately Eastes, Haley Wilson, Sierra Witty, Ali Elmore and Kayla Cohen were also participants in the conference.