Port Clinton student qualifies for national competition

PORT CLINTON — A Port Clinton High School student will bring her business knowledge to the national level next month. Senior Mia Sanchez qualified for the national DECA competition, slated for April 21-26 in Orlando, Florida, with her school-based food operations project, Port Clinton Schools stated in a news release. DECA, formerly known as Distributive Education Clubs of America, is an extracurricular activity that "prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe," according to the organization's website. Sanchez and DECA teammate Isaac Apple placed in the top 12 at the state DECA competition earlier this month. Other Port Clinton High School DECA students who competed in the state contest were Joseph Apple, Olivia Perry, Katherine Rodgers, Olivia Rodgers, Christen Sayre, Wyatt Siefke, Jessica Waddell, Jordan Waddell, Aidan Weber and Taylor Werling. Bill Hollister is the high school's marketing instructor and DECA adviser.