Out of 33 students who competed at the DECA state tournament March 6 through 8, six qualified to compete in nationals in Orlando, Florida on April 26 through 30. 

The students who qualified for nationals are Gigi Stevens,Tegan Smith, Sophie Welch,  Sophia Lynn, Annika Pauline and Lelia Ashrafi.

 DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to prepare high school and college students for business careers. From the state tournament, the top four finalists (individuals or partner teams) in each category qualified for nationals. “They did so well representing our school, and having the dedication to do this,” said Business Club Sponsor Melissa Martinez.

The state tournament, the DECA Association Career Development Conference, was held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. This year marks the 15th time the OPRF Business Club has attended.

The state qualifiers competed in a variety of categories, including finance, marketing, sports and entertainment, and hospitality and tourism. The 33 students placed within the top 25% of students during their sectionals competition back in January. 

At DECA State, students are given an hour to complete a test. Individually or in pairs, they are given 30 minutes to come up with solutions to two roleplay scenarios based on their category, which they then present in front of a business judge.