March 20-24 marked an important weekend in the lives of DECA students. During this weekend, students went to DECA state where they took tests and did scenarios for their specific area of DECA.


The weekend proved successful as 13 students made it to Nationals which take place April 28-May 3 in Anaheim, Calif. Before State level, it is unknown how many will attend Nationals. Since making it to Nationals is such a big honor, DECA has been preparing since before winter break.
    “It takes awhile to prepare for Nationals,” junior Lauren Reiche said. “It’s a big deal for us.”
December is “crunch time” for DECA as their first District competition is in February.
    “To qualify for Nationals, they must be in the top six in individuals or the top five for teams,” DECA sponsor Melissa Trochim said.
    At Districts, State, and Nationals, the competition involves the same concept: each individual must do two role playing situations and a 100 question test. However, if it is a team, there is one role playing case and a 100 question test.
    For seven years, Melissa Trochim has been the DECA sponsor. Each year, North has had students eligible to attend Nationals. Having students attend DECA Nationals is an exciting accomplishment for many first time attendees.
    “I’m looking forward to competing against the best of the best,” DECA member Zach Short said. “And representing our school in an honorable manner.”