The energy was high, the competition fierce and the results — outstanding! The AWHS-Penta Chapter of DECA made a statement at this year’s district competition at Bowling Green State University. Their hard work, strategic thinking and professionalism truly set them apart with an incredible number of students moving on to the state level competition in Columbus, OH and international competition in Orlando, FL.
From financial literacy and business services to entrepreneurship and hospitality, the students showcased their ability to apply real-world business concepts in a competitive environment.
Among the standout performers were:
International Qualifiers
Alex Bischoff & Billy Dean
| Virtual Business Challenge, Personal Finance
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First Place Award Winners & State Qualifiers
Emma Abraham & Sophie Snyder
| Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event
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Kellen Anderson
| Sports & Entertainment Marketing Series
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Alex Bischoff & Billy Dean
| Financial Services Team
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Miley Denman & Lydia Fabian
| Integrated Marketing Campaign - Product
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Gianna Distefano & Piper Tully
| Start-Up Business Plan
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| Cora Gierhart | Hospitality & Tourism - Professional Selling |
| Kate Hildebrand & Colleen Hildebrand | Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service |
| Maddock Hires | Business Finance Series |
| Arjun Jayaraman & Garrett Smith | Marketing Management Team |
| Jarrett Jenkins & Emmi Pollock | Hospitality Services Team |
| Madeline Johnston | Business Services Series |
| Alyah Khalil | Principals of Business Management & Administration |
| Aanya Kakrecha & Aradhya Muthumula | Buying & Merchandising Team |
| Samantha Owen | Retail Merchandising Series |
| Cameron Parsells | Quick Service Restaurant Series |
| Elaina Raezer | Human Resources Series |
| Ashlyn Shafer | Marketing Communications Series |
| Mallory Syrek | Accounting Series |
| Allie Welch & Alaina Woods | Sports & Entertainment Team |
The following students will also advance to the state competition:
Second Place
| Nathan Barasch | Marketing Communications Series |
| Drew Cunningham | Automotive Services Series |
| Maddie Dorsey | Apparel & Accessories Series |
| Cian Flagg & Daniel Wing | Entrepreneurship Team |
| James Geary | Entrepreneurship Series |
| Max Grabaraczyk | Accounting Series
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| Lauren McGurk & Aubrey Youtzy | Travel & Tourism Team
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| Marcus Price | Hotel & Lodging Management Series
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| Dylan Ryder | Food Marketing Series |
| Charlie Woodward | Personal Financial Literacy |
Third Place
Rhianna Ehrereich & Lizzie McClure
| Buying & Merchandising Team
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Addie Grooms & Victoria Robinson
| Addie Grooms & Victoria Robinson
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Hayden Holesko & Tyler Shaw
| Travel & Tourism Team
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Natalie Kinner
| Apparel & Accessories Series
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Brody Sutto, Mason Taylor, Jaythan Voltz
| Start-up Business Plan
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Become a Part of DECA
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for success in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. A Career Technical Education (CTE) professional student organization, DECA’s mission is to prepare students to be academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders.
The chapter is now accepting applications from AWHS sophomores and juniors wishing to be considered for the 2025-26 school year. Students interested in business, marketing, finance, hospitality and entrepreneurship are encouraged to join to gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to compete at the local, state and international level. The AWHS Chapter is a satellite program of Penta Career Center.
Priority Deadline: February 7
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR DECA