Chardon High School senior Lazia Calhoun, as part of a three-member Auburn Career Center Marketing and Business Applications team, has earned a spot in the DECA, Inc. State competition...
Entrepreneurial State Qualifier
Chardon High School senior Lazia Calhoun, as part of a three-member Auburn Career Center Marketing and Business Applications team, has earned a spot in the DECA, Inc. State competition. The team clinched a first-place finish in the Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan event at the DECA District tournament held on Jan. 25 at Mentor High School.
The team’s winning product, “Caribou Headphones,” is designed to cool the user in hot temperatures and warm the wearer when exposed to the cold. Together, the three Auburn MBA students presented a brief concept paper before a judge, explaining the opportunity that exists in the marketplace for their product and describing how the innovation will meet the needs of consumers.
Lazia stated, “DECA districts were a whirlwind of strategy, competition, and unforgettable moments. It’s where preparation meets opportunity, and you leave with lessons and friendships that last a lifetime.”
Next up, the team will compete March 8-9 at the Ohio Career Development Conference at the Hyatt Regency Columbus and Greater Columbus Convention Center. The state conference is the culmination of the DECA year and hosts 2,000 high school students, teacher-advisors, business professionals and alumni for competitive events, skills showcases, networking and demonstration of career readiness.
As she looks ahead to graduation in the spring, Lazia plans to build her portfolio; engage in ongoing education, including cosmetology school; and ultimately, pursue entrepreneurship by launching her own salon.
Academic Challenge
Chardon High School juniors Connor Mosher, Lily Meyer and Kayla Schneider faced off against three-member teams from Marion L. Steele High School and Open Door Christian Academy on the evening of Feb. 21, competing in the Academic Challenge high school quiz show at News Channel 5 in Cleveland. Academic Challenge, now in its 55th year and hosted by Rob Powers, incorporates questions from most aspects of high school curriculum, including history, geography, literature, math, and the sciences, as well as mythology, music, art, sports and current events.
CHS Academic Challenge Coach Al Herner stated, “Our number-one tool for preparation for Academic Challenge is a head-to-head show simulation that pits our students against faculty. It is a fast-paced affair.”
The students scrimmaged on-campus after school on Feb. 16 against assistant Principal Doug Higham; English language arts teachers Dawn Weaver, David Massucci and Cindy Newman; social studies teacher Casey Ptasznik; and science teacher Jeanne Clark.
Following the live taping of the Feb. 21 game show in Cleveland, the student teams and coaches are mum’s word on the results. Tune in to News Channel 5 on May 11 at 11:30 a.m. for a full broadcast of the game and reveal of the final outcome.
