DECA heads to their state competition this week with students aiming to qualify for the national competition.
Students choose to compete in either a written event or a roleplay event.
“Our event is roleplay and teamwork, so we get a scenario that we get to look over for 30 minutes,” senior DECA member Mya Thurston said. “You get 30 minutes to come up with a solution and after those 30 minutes go by, you present to the CEO your solutions and what you think about that problem.”
In the roleplay events, the top six go to nationals, whereas the top five advance in the written events.
At the competition, students are judged on their presentation.
“In all of the events, whether it’s roleplay or written, students are one-on-one with the judge,” faculty sponsor Ms. Tricia Leslie said.
While DECA took 50 students to state last year, 73 students are going this year.
“We’ve continued to grow, which is what really makes the difference,” Ms. Leslie said.
With both new and returning members, Bearden’s DECA chapter has set different goals for this competition.
“Last year, we actually qualified for the national competition, but didn’t end up going,” Thurston said. “This time my goal is to compete in the national competition.”
Added Ms. Leslie: “Last year, we had 14 that qualified for nationals, so I would like to at least hit that number or increase that number.”
Along with achieving big goals, DECA helps students grow in other ways.
“I’ve just learned confidence overall speaking to adults and just speaking in a more professional setting,” Thurston said. “I want to be involved in business when I’m older, so I think DECA has helped build my confidence.”