Earlier this month, DECA participated in the State competition held in the Phoenix Convention Center. Junior Ray Abramusic, president of DECA, and his partner, junior Thomas Kaplan, won third place at State and are two of the four who qualified for Nationals.

“I feel accomplished, as if the time and effort I put in has paid off,” Abramusic said.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Chapters in Arizona compete in individual, team, and written events, testing their entrepreneurship skills.

“ As a senior, this will be my last year, so I don’t have a DECA future, but I plan on running for presidency and DECA connections will help,” senior Roman Shemakov said.

Sophomore Alex Hilfer who came in third place and also received a test medal. Participants compete in over 60 events, such as roleplay, state essay, a 100 question test, and 15 minute presentations. On Fri., April 22, they will be going to Nashville,  Tennessee to attend the National Competition.