{guest post, Poorvi P} 

The Orange High School Marketing+DECA program hosted their first DECA Mock-Districts event in early January to prepare for the official DECA districts competition later that month. This event was an opportunity for students competing later in the month to get practical experience regarding their roleplay.

The planning committee consisted of…

• Iz A, returning senior DECA member + Co-chief of competitions 
• Maithreyi M, returning junior DECA member + Co-chief of competitions
• Joslin C, of our new junior DECA members 

Iz stated, “I was excited to plan this to provide practice for the upcoming competition and help new members learn appropriate study skills.” 

Members met with advisor, Mrs Teresa Gellenbeck, a couple times to create a task list, plan the event and logistics and then promote the event to current marketing/DECA members. “I was really impressed by their dedication to this event!” Mrs Gellenbeck claimed. “They spent time outside of class creating this opportunity for our DECA members and I hope it is the inaugural event of a new tradition each January!” 

Each individual or team was assigned a student judge, volunteers that were either DECA members themselves or in EntrepreNEERS Business club and National Business Honor Society. Realistic conditions were followed, such as a time limit, judge questions, scoring on the rubric, etc. Students got the chance to practice their district event and get scored on it, with comments and feedback from the judges to improve their performance when they compete at the real event. 

The DECA Mock-District was a success, and many students stated they felt more confident and better prepared for the upcoming competition season. “We got really good feedback from our members, so we hope to have another one prior to state competition in early March!” claimed Mrs Gellenbeck. 

Thanks to all that participated!