This upcoming March 22-24, the 29 DECA students that qualified from Districts will be attending the DECA State competition.

The students will be matching wits in a state-wide competition at Lodge of Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks. Co-Adviser of DECA Melissa Trochim believes that this is a time where they must work especially hard and dedicate themselves to studying and practicing for the State competition.
“We have a really, really good group of kids who worked hard for all competitions,” Trochim said. “I believe having 29 students as an FHN DECA record this year is awesome. This is the first time we have ever had 29
students go to a state competition.”
If the satisfaction of being able to make it into the state competition is not enough, the time spent at Lodge of Four Seasons should be worth some motivation. This year, District 6 – which is the largest district in the state of Missouri – had the most diamond level memberships in Districts. Therefore, the students get to stay in the new Avila Condos while at the competition. District 6 President senior Nicole Hume is proud of this fact and is looking forward to the competition. 
“State is so much fun,” Hume said. “The weekend is a lot of fun and everyone usually just has a great time.”
Hume is not the only one anticipating the event. Senior Lauren Cooke is looking forward to her second year attending State.
“My favorite thing about DECA is competing and being successful,” Cooke said. “Last year was a really close competition and I hope we get first place this year.”
The 29 FHN State-qualifiers are currently working hard for their chance to attend Internationals in Anaheim, CA later on this year. Trochim wishes them the best.
“It’s a great feeling to know that these students have worked really hard at the District level,” Trochim said. “Hopefully it’ll carry them through.”