McKinnon Park Triumphs at DECA Competition

McKinnon Park and Cayuga secondary school students participated in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) business competition at Brock University. Through applied learning and real-life insight, the program introduces high school students to a variety of concepts in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, building the foundation for post-secondary studies and a future business career.

Learners showcased their skills in several immersive challenges at the regional event, including multiple-choice career exams and a role-play or case study provided on-site with a judge.

"We’re proud of our DECA competitors," shared Lori Yager and Nick Tregoning, Cayuga's DECA Advisors. "Their courage, resilience and motivation are both admirable and inspiring. We strongly recommend DECA for any student looking to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone, while building confidence and leadership skills."

Competing with more than 2,000 students from schools across southern Ontario, students took home awards in the following categories:

Winners:
Hannah Smuck, Food Marketing (MPSS)
Easton Vanderburg, Sports and Entertainment Marketing (MPSS)
Aurora Phillips and Charlotte Endresz, Buying and Merchandising (MPSS)

Finalists:
Daniella Alaimo and Caitlin Snelgrove, Hospitality Services (MPSS)
Aurora Phillips and Charlotte Endresz, Buying and Merchandising (MPSS)
Lotus Drayton, Principles of Business Management and Administration (CSS)

Participants:
Aazshmeer Farooqui and Cash McCollum - Financial Services (MPSS)
Abigail Armstrong and Addison Gillam - Business Law and Ethics (MPSS)
Mya McCollum and Victoria Singh - Hospitality Services (MPSS)
Payton Conte and Evelyn Losier - Marketing Management (MPSS)
Finley Smith and Mikey Gillon - Sports and Entertainment Marketing (MPSS)
Andrew Spurell and Cullen Pauls - Entrepreneurship (MPSS)
Hunter Clappison and Sean Kelly - Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making (CSS)
Ahmad Baig and Jordan McCarrell - Financial Services Team Decision Making  (CSS)
Maddie Visser and Lyla Yager - Hospitality Services Team Decision Making (CSS)
Mohammed Ammar and Mubashir Qadri - Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making (CSS)
Ali Baig and Eidam Rosalin - Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making (CSS)
Mohammed Haroon - Automotive Services Marketing  (CSS)
Finalists Daniella, Caitlin, Aurora, Charlotte and Lotus look forward to provincials in February.

Renee Reilly, DECA leader at McKinnon Park, shared, "I’m proud of the hard work and determination from this year's DECA team. It’s not easy preparing and putting in the time to compete in the regional event, but our results prove that McKinnon Park has courageous future business leaders."

Finalists Daniella, Caitlin, Aurora, Charlotte and Lotus look forward to provincials in February.

Innovative learning opportunities, such as DECA, allow secondary students to explore their interests and discover where they belong in Grand Erie and beyond.