Every year DECA students from all over Minnesota gather to compete against each other at state. This year from March 2-4, Owatonna brought more kids than ever before bringing more than 100 students. These students have worked hard over the past six months in preparation for their presentations. Whether it was a prepared event, sales demonstration, roleplay or interview Owatonna used their knowledge and understanding in all kinds of business fields to achieve great success.
DECA challenges students to get out of their comfort zone by speaking to adults and being judged for their performance. It requires a high level of understanding in many different business professions like marketing, finance, management and hospitality. Having the ability to solve real world problems and pitch solutions to a judge demonstrates students’ leadership, decision making and problem solving skills.
Head advisor Mr. Bradley Scharber led Owatonna into this successful experience. He had been working with students by organizing practice times and after school workshops. Along with Scharber, Co-Advisor Mr. Tate Cummins also traveled to the state conference that was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Cummins said, “State DECA was a huge success, you know, it speaks a lot about our student body and how seriously we took this year’s events. We are very proud of the efforts that they put in and I believe it was a very successful year for our kids.”
For most students, state is about having fun but staying professional with their well executed presentations. After everyone competes it’s time for the long award ceremony which is always exciting. Owatonna had multiple students make it to finals and three qualified for nationals, also known as ICDC. One of the seven seniors on the Owatonna DECA officer team is Alia Kubicek. Her and her partner, fellow senior Katrina Ethen placed first in their SBE Food category qualifying for ICDC. Kubicek said, “This experience has made me a more confident and flexible leader and a better team player.” Alongside them, junior Blake Farris qualified for ICDC in his Principles of Finance roleplay by placing fifth in finals.
DECA state isn’t just about competing but also a celebration of how far these students have come. Whether or not they qualified for nationals it was a beneficial experience for everyone who participated. This state event has brought in the eyes of new members and returning members for this next year. “I’m looking forward to improving my skills in business and returning to state,” OHS freshman Jae Herzog said.
Not only did Owatonna find success in their state competition, but junior Almal Mohamed was elected as a Minnesota DECA state officer for the year 2025-26.
ICDC will be held in Orlando, Florida this spring. Owatonna will be taking their national qualifiers and officers along for this journey.
Read more about Amal Mohamed’s state officer election here.
