After competing in the district competition, qualifying DECA members will be traveling to downtown Detroit for the statewide convention on March 11.

Junior Adam Schade qualified for states for his second year in a row in the Hotel and Lodging Management category. Although he didn’t advance his freshman year, he uses the experience as motivation.

“My freshman year, I was one position away from making it to states so I didn’t go that year,” Schade said. “It was definitely disappointing, but made me motivated to work harder the next year, but at the same time it was good to know that I did well.”

Members take a test at school and do a role play debate in front of a judge at the district competition, according to Schade. The two scores are averaged and the highest scorers advance.

Junior Jackie Veneri is a first-year member. Although she did not qualify for the state competition, she gained valuable insight in marketing.

“I did not qualify for states this year but I still enjoyed the experience of the DECA competition. It can be challenging to qualify for states because there are so many other students from other schools competing against you. It was also kind of hard for me because it was my first year and I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Veneri said. “It was a really good decision for me (to join) because I got a glimpse of what a career would be like in marketing and I would encourage other students to join this club if they are thinking about pursuing a career in business.”

DECA secretary and senior Kayla Gallant didn’t qualify for states this year. However, she is proud of members who advanced, especially those who made it for the first time.

“I think everyone did really well this year,” Gallant said. “(I was) surprised some people didn’t make it, but there are a lot of new kids who are going to states this year so that’s really exciting. Overall, everyone did great.”

Veneri plans on continuing DECA through senior year. With a better understanding of the competition’s layout and number of opponents, she hopes to advance to states next year.

DECA events are split into four main categories: marketing, management, finance and hospitality. The wide range of competitions available is one reason why Schade believes the club is appealing.

“There are a variety of categories, such as Business Law, Business Finance, Restaurant and Foodservice Management, Apparel and Accessories Marketing and Sports and Entertainment Marketing,” Schade said. “I’m in Hotel and Lodging Management. There’s an event for anyone, really.”