On Jan 8, Perry DECA competed in Eastern District Competition. With 70 students present, students brought in a total of 63 medals with 15 students winning the title of District Champion for their event. Out of the 13 schools competing in the district, Perry ranked high, winning almost more than any of the other schools.

DECA, the marketing club,  allows students the opportunity to learn and apply business skills through competition. Behind all the other popular clubs and sports, most students fail to recognize that Perry DECA is one of the best programs in the state.

Just like any other sport, DECA prepares to compete throughout the year.  DECA advisor, Rob Lange, and student competition coordinator, Natalie Eberhard, have worked together this year to ensure that Perry is ready to compete.

“She and I work together through bell work, after school activities, practice tests, and make sure we make [competition] an emphasis.” Lange explains.

The competition is made up of two parts: First the students take a general marketing timed test and then participate in a roleplay. Every school year there are three competitions: District, State, and Internationals. If students make the top 5 at state, they are allowed to compete at Internationals.

In 2014, 16 Perry students finaled at state and attended Internationals in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Even the director of Arizona of DECA, Oleg Shvets, was really impressed with what we did.” Lange says.

The competition provides experience for job interviews, future marketing managers, entrepreneurs, and more. DECA events appeal to a variety of students, whether it be the sports marketing event or fashion.

Only students enrolled in Marketing I, Sports Marketing, School Enterprise, and Co-op have the opportunity to compete.

Brianna Parisian, a newbie in Marketing I this year, took home the honors of district champion. Although competing only one time, Parisian already appreciates the opportunity.

“It’s been the best experience. The whole competition itself giving you that real life experience on how stressful an interview can be and will be,” Parisian shares.

DECA looks forward to competing this year at state and internationals.This year the state finalists will be able to attend ICDC, the International DECA competition in Orlando, Florida. Lange has high hopes for these upcoming competitions.

“I think we have some of the best kids in the state that are going up against anyone.”  Lange says.

Junior Chay Romine, values competing in DECA.

“It sets me apart from other students and I couldn’t be prouder.”

With such a great history of winning, DECA continues to practice and prepare to continue their success.