The Distributive Education Clubs of America, or DECA, chapter at HSE is striving to succeed this year at their state competition on Mar. 2 through Mar. 4. The many students involved in the club are currently working hard to perform the best they can at the competition; but what exactly are they preparing for?

For starters, “DECA is a club for high school business students,” club advisor Kristin Lidstrom. “It helps prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.” Members of the club that have advanced to state have put these skills to the test and will continue to do so in the following competitions, which go all the way up to the international level.

On the actual day of competition, “students compete in either role play, case study events or they present business plans they have created,” Lidstrom said. “The state competition will have 2500 students competing.” With that many adversaries, the competition appears daunting; however, HSE has consistently performed well at these events during the span of the club’s existence.

“We have had students qualify for the International Competition every year that we have had a chapter, [which has been for] 20 years,” said Lidstrom. “In 2021, three HSE students were International Champions in their event!” For students in DECA, it is not all about the awards or placements, however. Through their hard work and practice, a community is formed within the club.

“Success does not always mean winning,” said Lidstrom. “Students overcome personal obstacles like fear of public speaking, or they are awarded with leadership positions, or they place higher than they expected. Seeing students be excited about business and inspired by their own success and the successes of their peers is so rewarding.”