On Feb. 27, the Freedom Distributive Education Club of America, also known as the DECA chapter, headed out for the state-level DECA competition in Hershey, PA. Of the 13 members, 12 went on to the state competition. For three days, the team took tests and performed business role-play scenarios in front of judges. They also spent time having fun by going to dance parties at night, buying lots of chocolate and making lifelong memories. Seniors Tippin Harkins and Emily Majors each earned medallions for their high scores. Harkins in Retail Merchandising and Majors in Business Services marketing. “I had to solve a [hypothetical] business problem presented to me by a judge acting as a business manager. I had ten minutes to prepare for my interview and then five minutes to present my solution to the problem,” Harkins said. Outside of two big rooms, the DECA members waited their role-play time and category to be called. Once called, they were escorted into a room and sat in seats marked with their category. “You are presented with a piece of paper explaining the situation, and what the judge will expect of you. Ten minutes is all the time you have to make a business decision that would take a major corporation days of research, and it can be fairly nerve-wracking,” Sophomore Ryan Gray said. They also had opportunities to go on many smaller trips within Hershey. “My favorite part of the trip was being able to do things independently like a real businessman,” Freshman Louis Dubovi said. “I think a few of the ways DECA helps you move into the real world are by allowing you freedom, but by also providing boundaries. Good boundaries, in my experience, are something that the average high school student lacks. When we go to the states competition, we get a taste of freedom, what it’s like to be in the real world, and that’s really exciting,” Gray said. Many of the chapter members enjoyed bonding and getting to know each other better. “My favorite part of this trip was not just the academic side, but more importantly the camaraderie. While competing was not only fun and mentally stimulating, there were friendships made and strengthened in our DECA family this year at states.” Gray said. “We have our differences, but [the trip] brought us together,” Senior Austin Bailey said. “I feel that DECA helped me in the real world because our role-plays gave me real life situations that I could be dealing with later on in my career. Also, I can take my study materials for DECA and use them for my college classes,” Senior Stacey Wallis said. “DECA is an awesome club with awesome people. It is three days well spent. You get to meet people from all over PA and gorge yourself with as much food as you can eat because there are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yum yum! We are always ready for new DECA members, so don’t be afraid to join next year.” Junior Jen Wallis said. DECA State Competition Results Business Law and Ethics Team ~ Louis Dubovi & Dereck Majors (8th place) Travel and Tourism Team ~ Jamie Croll & Emily Allego (15th place) Hospitality Services Team ~ Brandon Barnhart & Josh Leasure (16th place) Apparel & Accessories ~ Jennifer Wallis (8th place) Business Finance Services ~ Stacey Wallis (11th place) Business Services ~ Emily Majors (8th place and medal for high score on roleplay) Retail Merchandising ~ Tippin Harkins (8th place medal for high score on roleplay) Human Resources Management ~ Ryan Gray (15th place) Restaurant and Food Services ~ Austin Bailey (10th place)