A team of Lima Senior High School DECA students finished in the top 10 at the DECA International Career Development Conference this week in Orlando, Fla.
Seniors Kiara Daniel, Ryan Moore and Darian Slaise presented the Spread Jada’s Joy project in the Public Relations competition. The project was one of more than 200 projects competing in that category.
The program placed somewhere between fourth and 10th place (only first through third are given a final placement).
Spread Jada’s Joy is a public relations campaign named after Jada Hood, the daughter of DECA Teacher Chrissy Hood. Jada’s dad, James Hood, also works at Lima Senior. Jada has Down syndrome.
Students expanded the project this year to include anyone with disabilities. Students worked with the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Lions Club and Ronald McDonald House to do various fundraising and informational campaigns throughout the school year.
A few included handling the public relations and participating in the Down Syndrome Association of Western Ohio’s Buddy Walk and organizing a Down Syndrome and Disability Awareness Night at a Lima Senior basketball game.
A record number 21 Lima Senior students (seven projects) qualified for the International competition this year.