40 Years of DECA: Shaping Leaders Across Northwest Oklahoma

Honoring Forrest Rogers, the educator who built a legacy of leadership and inspired generations of students to dream bigger.

When Forrest Rogers joined High Plains Technology Center in 1988, the marketing program was small—only about a dozen students filled the classroom. But what started as a modest program with a few textbooks and a lot of ambition would soon grow into one of the school’s most impactful legacies: DECA at HPTC.

“We built it,” Rogers recalled with a smile. “When I started, there were only about 12 kids in marketing. It wasn’t big. There were two ladies who had started it before me, but they both left early on. All we had were books—but I knew that’s not what a tech center should be built on. I wanted it to be hands-on.”

Rogers, who had spent years working for the Fine Jewelers Guild in Oklahoma City, decided to make a major life change. Encouraged by his wife, Karen, he returned to school to earn his teaching certificate, combining it with his marketing degree. When the opportunity arose to teach at High Plains, he knew it was the right fit.

Building a Program and a Legacy

Within his first year, Rogers led a small group of students to a national competition.

“We had four students go to nationals that first year. People told me we wouldn’t have much success because Woodward isn’t a marketing place—it’s oil and farming. But those kids proved everyone wrong.”

He still remembers one DECA event vividly.

“We were at state, and Jinks had 200 students competing. We had four. All four of mine placed. One of them turned around and said, ‘You might have more people, but we had 100% winners.’ I’ll never forget that.”

Teaching Beyond the Classroom

Rogers’ approach to teaching left a lasting mark on generations of students.

“Before you can teach them, you have to reach them,” he said. “That was something I always stood on. You can stand up there and lecture all day, but if there’s no relationship, they’re not going to listen. Reaching comes before teaching.”

He worked to help students see beyond temporary jobs and focus instead on lifelong careers.

“I always told them—don’t settle for just a job. Find a career that leads somewhere. Be motivated. Be proud of what you do.”

His impact is evident in the success of former students, such as Matthew Peterman, who went on to work for Apple.

“Matthew told me when he interviewed at Apple, it was the marketing background from HPTC that set him apart. He already knew the products and concepts. That’s the kind of success story that makes you proud.”

A Lifetime of Dedication

Over his career, Rogers was recognized as Oklahoma’s State Marketing Teacher of the Year in 1995 and was later inducted into the University of Central Oklahoma Marketing Hall of Fame.

After retiring from full-time instruction, Rogers helped start the Multimedia Program at HPTC and later joined the TAP program, working with middle school students.

“I didn’t know if I’d like working with that age group,” he admitted, “but I ended up loving it. They keep me young—and it still gives me that connection I need.”

Among his favorite memories is taking students on trips that expanded their horizons.

“Being able to take the kids to the Dallas Market was a real highlight,” Rogers shared. “For some of them, that was their first real exposure to something like that. For kids from this area, it opened their eyes to a whole new world of opportunity. It was neat to see them experience something so different and exciting.”

The Heart of High Plains

When asked what makes High Plains Technology Center special, Rogers didn’t hesitate.

“This school does a great job of making both the teachers and the students feel like they’re a part of something,” he said. “It’s not just about education—it’s about connection. The kids feel close out here. They feel like they’re part of a big family.”

He’s also seen how CareerTech fills a unique role for many students who may not have found their place elsewhere.

“There are kids who might not fit into sports or band or other activities,” he said. “When they come to High Plains, they finally get to be part of something—whether it’s DECA, a club, or student leadership. They get a chance to belong, maybe for the first time in their lives.”

Looking Back—and Forward

As High Plains celebrates 40 years of DECA, Rogers reflects on the incredible journey from a handful of students and a few textbooks to a thriving organization that continues to shape young leaders across Northwest Oklahoma.

“Did I imagine DECA would become what it is today? No,” he said thoughtfully. “But it’s become something truly special. I’m proud of what we built here—and proud of every student who walked through those doors.”