LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — After bringing home a world championship, three Lima Senior High School DECA students were recognized for their achievement during the mayor’s media briefing this week.
Known as the “Triple Threats,” the team impressed judges with their comprehensive approach to showcasing what DECA teaches beyond the classroom.
Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith presented the students with a proclamation celebrating their win at the DECA International Career Development Conference, where they were named world champions in the sales project category. Known as the “Triple Threats,” the team impressed judges with their comprehensive approach to showcasing what DECA teaches beyond the classroom.
This group brought together all the moving parts of our club and turned them into a powerful project that highlights leadership, communication, and business skills. “My portion of the project focused on outreach and communications—specifically, organizing our sponsorship drive and working with the community to help fund our trip to Orlando.” said Christian Ackerman, the chapter’s communication specialist. Marketing manager Mallory Gipson highlighted their school-hosted event, modeled after Shark Tank, as a central piece of the project.
“We challenged our senior DECA members to create micro business plans,” Gipson said. “We presented them to ‘sharks’ who approved the ideas, and then we turned them into real products—like dog treats, hair combs, car air fresheners—and sold them at the event to the community.”
Outreach manager Davyon Williamson spotlighted the team’s successful coffee sales collaboration with Vibe Coffeehouse.
“None of this would have been possible without Carlton McClellan, owner of Vibe Coffee and a SPAR alumnus,” Williamson said. “He helped us create three exclusive coffee blends that are only sold through us. He and his staff did an amazing job with branding and promotion, and the blends taste phenomenal.”
The students will present their award-winning project at Vibe Coffeehouse this Saturday at 10 a.m. They invite all sponsors, supporters, and members of the community to attend and celebrate their success.
Here is a copy of Mayor Smith's proclamation:
