On March 11, 27 FHN DECA students went to The Lake of the Ozarks for their annual State Competition. Out of these 27 students, 19 students placed in the top 8, and 10 of those students will be advancing to the International DECA Competition, which will be held in Anaheim, California in April.

FHN students qualified to go to nationals by competing in different events and taking various exams. These competitive events can vary from Business Services to Food Marketing. Some members took their exam in the style of a Role Play where they were given a hypothetical scenario about a company and had to go before a judge and state their ideas in order to improve said company. Other tests consisted of written exams, depending on what the member’s focus was.

“I think it’s a good outlet for my future,” DECA member Lauren Wolosyk said, “I’ve met a lot of people that I feel I can rely on to really benefit me in the long run”

In addition to competing in Role Plays and taking written tests, DECA students also had some time to participate in a variety of fun activities while at the State Competition. Some activities included going on boat cruises, watching movies, and just hanging out with their fellow DECA members.

“It’s a great time,” FHN DECA’s VP of Communications Brandon Bauer said. “Everyone [at state] has a competitive attitude until tests are over and then everyone just becomes your best friend.”