The DECA districts were held on Friday Jan. 6, 2023 at Christian Family Church in Owatonna. Many students from OHS competed in business related events. Overall, the Huskies had a great day, accumulating many awards. Owatonna students placed top three in 72 events and finished first place in 26 events. These results landed 88 OHS students a spot at the state competition. Students who qualified for state will compete at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis for the opportunity to compete at Nationals in Orlando, Florida.

DECA has continued to grow each year with more students from OHS participating, Senior Ava Eitrheim said, “I joined DECA because I’ve always wanted to go into business and I thought it would be a great way to prepare me for my future.”  This is Eitrheim’s second year in DECA. Eitrheim will apply the things she learned in DECA to future job interviews to help her stand out amongst other candidates. DECA adviser and teacher Bradley Scharber said, “DECA takes a willingness to get out of your comfort zone, because you are speaking in front of people that you know. It’s really a foundation for essential business skills.”

Not only does DECA benefit students looking to enter the business world, it develops skills that are applicable to all career paths. Junior Thomas Herzog said, “DECA will provide opportunities that will benefit me in the future. I’ll develop leadership skills, communication skills, problem solving skills and teamwork skills.” DECA is a great way to develop the skills needed in any work environment, from applying, to getting an interview, and even accepting a new position. 

State qualifiers will now compete for a spot on the podium at the Minnesota State DECA Competition on March 5-7.