On Wednesday, Feb. 6, over 100 DECA members competed in this year’s Districts at The Mills Mall in Hazelwood. Out of the 108 students who competed, there were a total of 25 winners ranging from 1st to 6th place in different categories. The students who placed between 1st and 6th will be going to the State competition in March.

“It was pretty cool knowing that I did well enough to move on to State in my first year,” junior Corey Bruns said.

According to senior Victoria Melberg, students had to take a 100 question multiple choice test. Then, depending on what category they were in, they participated in one or two role plays as if they were actually an adult and a part of the business world.

“Going into the role play was the hardest and scariest part,” Melberg said. “It was my first time, so I was super nervous. Once it started it wasn’t so bad, my judge was really nice and I felt like I was in character.”

For senior and first year DECA member Meghan Wood, the hardest part was coming up with ideas for the role play in only 10 minutes. The students were given a scenario and had 10 minutes until they met with a judge where they presented their marketing ideas about that scenario. The actual role plays could have lasted from about 5 to 10 minutes. Wood placed 6th in Food Marketing and will be going to State.

“Once I heard my name I was in shock and had to let it sink in for a minute before I went on stage,” Wood said.

For senior Kailee Schott, who has been in DECA for two years, the best part of Districts was hearing her name get called to the stage. Schott came in 1st place in her category Apparel and Accessories. DECA’s goal is to prepare students for the business world and build real world skills.

“DECA is preparing me to be able to open up and give my ideas, and give me the best opportunities for my future,” Schott said.

The two 1st place winners were: Kailee Schott and Joe Henke. The 12 2nd place winners were: Victoria Melberg, Ashley Eubanks, Michael Beaver, Brianna Gardner, Zach Ksiazek, Andy Bartell, TeeJay Hale, Danny Bouck, Mark Jones, Morgan Robben, Brett Magilligan, and Blake Shambro. The two 3rd place winners were: Mike Cernicek and Kelly D’Amico. Four took home 4th place: Sarah Creeley, Garrett Jeter, Autumn Lavezzi, and Becca Leonard. Sydney Swing received 5th place in her category, and the four 6th place winners were: Julia Brady, Meghan Wood, Jordan Stobart, and Corey Bruns.