With the energy of a bustling marketplace, DECA students showcased their competitive spirit at the district competition. Months of dedicated preparation—or, in some cases, last-minute cramming—culminated in a high-stakes event where students demonstrated their business acumen, adaptability and resilience.

Under the pressure of ticking clocks and intense competition, seniors Shiv Patel and Ben Koster, Co-President of DECA, embraced the challenges and rewards of this year’s district experience. Together with the duo tackled the Sports and Entertainment Team Decision-Making event, where they had just 15 minutes to devise a compelling business strategy and another 15 to present it to a critical judge. Their performance and scores from the DECA marketing cluster exam determined their final ranking.

“The most challenging part of preparation was undoubtedly navigating worry,” Patel said. “In past years, we relied on well-researched papers, but this time, we had to trust our instincts.” 

Despite their nerves and limited preparation, Patel and Koster took first place in their category. “Understanding people, how money move, and communication skills are all things I’ve learned,” Patel said. “DECA has confirmed that I want to be an entrepreneur.”

For junior David Lin, DECA was a new experience. Competing in the Business Finance Series, Lin took a 100-question finance exam before districts and then presented a solution to a financial planning scenario in a role-play event. His preparation included practice role-plays and vocabulary drills using a DECA CompetitionUniversity account, a resource provided by sponsor Justin Hildebrand.

“The hardest part was not knowing exactly what kind of question would be asked in the role-play,” Lin said. “Finance covers such a broad range of topics.”

Although he did not qualify for the state competition, Lin remained positive.

 “I’m not upset,” Lin said. “There are areas I can improve in, and I’m happy for my friends who qualified. This experience was more about learning and being part of a welcoming community.”

Looking ahead, Lin is undecided about competing again next year but sees potential in improving his skills and trying a team event.

Sophomore Remy Deaver competed in the Stock Market Game and the Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research event. While the stock market game involved a month-long simulation to generate the highest returns, the second event required writing a 20-page research paper and presenting a business strategy to judges.Deaver admitted that procrastination was the biggest challenge. 

“I wrote the paper in one night, did the research the night before, and made the presentation in two days,” Deaver said. 

Despite the rushed preparation, she and her partner won first place in their category. She plans to improve her preparation moving forward. 

“If you work hard now, the future will be easier. Now that we have 20 days to edit our papers, we plan to start early and work harder for the state,” Deaver said.

Hearing their names called for first place was the highlight of the competition for Deaver. 

“Getting up on that stage and receiving our medals was the most memorable moment,” Deaver said. 

Deaver is dedicated to the program with aspirations of making it to nationals and possibly becoming DECA president as a senior. 

“DECA made me even more determined to own my own business one day,” Deaver said. “It’s my favorite club, and I highly recommend it to anyone.”

As 21 teams prepare for the state competition, they bring with them not just their business knowledge but also a set of skills developed through DECA’s unique challenges. Participants have been exposed to high-pressure situations and opportunities to learn from setbacks, creating an environment that allows for growth and resilience.

“Build your resume? Do DECA. Join a respected club and meet other people in your school? Do DECA. Get a GPA boost from marketing research? Do DECA. Be around chill and helpful advisors like Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Maddock? Do DECA. Learn about business management, hospitality and tourism, finance and/or marketing? Do DECA. Get experience in probably the best value for your time [in a] club at Clayton High School? Just Do DECA,” Patel said.