Here at OHS, there are plenty of ways to be involved with the school, whether that be playing a sport, trying out for one of the shows drama puts on, or joining a club that seems interesting.
There are many clubs and organizations at OHS, and each has something unique to offer those who join them. In recent years, Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes offered students the opportunity to join Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Starting this year, CTE classes have the option of joining FBLA or the newly established SkillsUSA.
“Our Graphics, Journalism, and Media departments have the choice of doing FBLA or SkillsUSA, and those advisors felt like Skills would be a better fit for their students based on what their classroom instruction involves,” said Tiffany Kurtz, CTE department chair and accounting teacher.
By switching from FBLA to SkillsUSA, students in those specific classes are now able to compete in various competition categories that are more tailored to their strengths.
“[SkillsUSA] competitions just look a little bit different. They’re a little more hands-on; they get there and prepare everything on-site to be able to perform in front of the judges, so it’s just a different competition style,” Kurtz said.
Those involved in SkillsUSA are able to enhance their learning and leadership skills by applying what they learn in class to a number of competitions.
“I’m in the Media Productions class, and I just wanted to do more with it and be in a club, be involved, ” said Cody Dobis, SkillsUSA Media Productions officer, sophomore. “I’m excited for the opportunities and things that I’m gonna be doing [in SkillsUSA]; it’s gonna give me more experience in the workforce and what we do in those areas.”
Along with Media Productions and the other CTE courses that have switched to SkillsUSA, Stagecraft students are able to showcase their creativity through the competitions SkillsUSA provides them.
“In SkillsUSA, we compete by designing costumes, makeup, sets, lighting, and sound design for a show. We kinda pile that all together and we give a huge presentation and compete; I know that a lot of people are really excited about it and I think we can do a lot this year,” said Sophia Sampley, president of StageCraft’s SkillsUSA chapter, junior.
The introduction of SkillsUSA was not the only new addition to OHS’s abundance of clubs; Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA) has also recently started up.
“To join DECA you have to be in marketing; this is the first year of marketing at our school, so our first year of DECA as well,” said Ashwin Sasikumar, president of DECA, junior. “What led me to join DECA was the leadership opportunities and business skills that I could acquire and learn.”
At first glance, FBLA and DECA seem to be very similar, although that is not the case.
“The difference between FBLA and DECA is really just the different events and opportunities you get. I mean, FBLA is very computer and science-based, while DECA is more business-based, whether it be marketing, advertising, or sales,” Sasikumar said.
Students who are involved in DECA this year are excited for the club to get up and running and have expressed the benefits of the community it provides.
“Everyone in [DECA] seems nice and I think it’s just a great group of people to be around,” said Luka Kuljanin, secretary of DECA, freshman.
As it is DECA’s first year at OHS, those in the club are determined to make sure it gets the reputation it deserves.
“I know how we represent ourselves and establish ourselves as a club, the first year is gonna be really important, and I really want to make an impact on that so that we can get more funding, get more people, and get a lot of more opportunities next year,” Sasikumar said.
For the students who are torn between deciding to become involved in one of their CTE’s respective clubs or not, those already included in these organizations highly encourage them to do so.
“I think everybody should at least come try it because going in and talking to people gives you invaluable skills. Being the “smart” person doesn’t give you the ability to communicate that you’re smart, you’re only going to get actual positions and a place in life if you’re able to communicate and talk to people fearlessly; [these organizations] are the perfect outlet to grow those skills to do so,” said Charles McCue, vice president of chapter development of FBLA, junior.
