OCONOMOWOC, WI- January 9, 2018. On Saturday, January 6, 37 Oconomowoc High School students competed in DECA’s District Career Development Conference at Kettle Moraine High School. Students competed against 500 students from other schools within Southeastern Wisconsin. Two students automatically qualified for the State Career Development Conference, and eight more students will be joining them in Lake Geneva, March 5 - 7, 2018.
The competition consists of a test in a career cluster in the business field, such as hospitality or marketing. The competition also includes two role play case studies. Students take the role of a business professional and meet with a judge, who typically takes the role of a client, boss or business owner. The students are then assessed on their ability to solve the problem given to them in each case study, based on criteria called performance indicators.
Isabelle Spear and Jacob Hogan both took first place in their event, automatically qualifying for state. Another six students: Emma Berghoefer, Miles Mulder, Zach Nienhuis, Sydnee Dressel, Emily Kehl and Chelsea Hess, were finalists in their categories. In addition, 11 other individuals medaled in at least one of their events! This was a successful beginning to competition season for OHS DECA!
OHS Senior, Isabelle Spear says that “Competition allows me to express a different side of myself that is more willing to think outside of the box. It brings me out of my comfort zone in a fun and educational way!” This is Spear’s second year competing in Oconomowoc DECA and her second year going to state.
Competitors at the District Career Development Conference included Emma Berghoefer, Danielle Rabay, Allyson Clarke, Jensen Smith, Zach Neinhuis, Madison Sabel, Emily Kehl, Isabelle Spear, Josh Michels, Matthew McKain, Trenton Sharkus, Chelsea Hess, Ben Rawson, Mick Veum, Anna Corbe, Claire Cotey, Kara Dunton, Kaila Wismar, Kyle Abts, Sydnee Dressel, Mason Zepnick, Hailey Bergdorf, Brenden Zimmer, Jacob Spear, Miles Mulder, Jacob Boulware, Jaysal Patel, Alyson Fecteau, Ethan Stratman, Jude Kearney, Amelia White, Jacob Hogan, Josie Cox, Helena Zeznanski, Nick Hall, Will Heidvogel, and Emily Hilgendorf. Congratulations to all!
