Dallas Bound.

A successful district meet is allowing 12 DECA members a trip to Dallas in March. On March 9-11 the team will take what they have learned about business, marketing, finance and hospitality to compete with others for a chance to go to nationals.

On January 14, DECA members competed at the district meet in The Woodlands High School. After a successful day, 12 members of the team advanced to state on March 9-11.

DECA competitors spent months studying business terms and becoming familiar with the concepts of business in order to have a chance to compete at state. 

“We studied a lot, and we held mock competitions where we basically go through the process of how competition works but in a less formal way in order to give each feedback based on our experiences that we had,” senior Brittany Ramirez said.

Preparing for the competition allowed for members to branch out and try things they never would have done.

“I chose principles of marketing because it seemed like the best option for a new member and I was able to place,” sophomore Lilliana Weeks said.

With having 12 members place, sponsor and business teacher Cheryl Gehovak is doing everything she can to help her students be successful at state.

“I am overall so proud of each one who competed at district, and I will do what I can to motivate them to study for their online testing and live roleplay,” Gehovak said. “I can offer the opportunity to practice too.”

While competitions are full of nerves and excitement, it also allowed for members to have fun after their competition while getting the chance to meet fellow members of other schools.

“I think the most fun part of competing was meeting and interacting with members of other schools and just doing fun activities with them,” Ramirez said.