On Monday Dec. 14, Freedom’s DECA chapter arrived at the Sheraton Hotel in Moon Township to participate in the annual District Competition for the 2015-2016 season. Several of 21 of the 25 members

The participants first began with a test that was different based on the category of their event. Each category branches off of one of four main principles: Marketing, Business Management & Administration, Finance and Hospitality & Tourism.

One hour and 100 questions later, elections were held for the position of District II Representative next year. Two students ran for the position, and each school from the District II chose two delegates to make a decision on behalf of all their schools.

The position of District II Representative for PA DECA for 2016-2017 school year was bestowed to Sophomore Rachel DeCesaris.

“I think this is a really cool opportunity to meet new people, create new friendships and have a great year with DECA. DECA is something that I am super proud of, and I am so thankful to be the new District II Representative,” said DeCesaris.

DeCesaris’ responsibilities include planning the district and state conferences for the 2016-2017 year, and aiding the other state officers in any way possible with conflicts or issues concerning PA DECA.

“I also feel honored to follow [Senior] Reilly [Collins], who has been an incredible role model for me to look up to in order to fulfill my DECA duties. With the help of her, [Senior] Louis [Dubovi] and Mrs. [Beth] Majors, who all know what it is like to be a state officer, along with some kids I have met through DECA, I am excited to help create an amazing DECA year,” said DeCesaris.

Later in the day, team and individual role plays were presented in front of judges. Teams consisted of two collaborators, with individuals having only one. In competitions, during the role play round, each group or individual is given a scenario to study and an allotted time to prepare. Group preparation is 20 minutes, and singles are given 10 minutes. Every role play has 10 minutes designated to present and a five minute question period following.

Subsequently, all participants gathered for the awards ceremony. Out of the 24 Freedom participants, 19 placed. Individual participants who place in third and up, and groups who place first and second qualify for the state competition.

Freshman Jordyn Wright was the only ninth grader to compete for Freedom. She and Sophomore Kayla Eaton placed second for their role play in the Business Law and Ethics category.

“I am excited that I get to go to states with Kayla, and continue the experience as a member of DECA,” said Wright.
Dubovi, Collins and Senior Tyler Bonzo placed first with the scores of their test and role plays combined.
All of the 19 Freedom students who placed have the opportunity to go to the state competition in March.