Many students have entered the Puma Den at one point or another, but not many stop to think about who runs the show. The Perry DECA team constantly works hard to make a difference on campus, like the Puma Den or volunteering on and off campus.
This week, the DECA team is working to prepare for their state competition. With over 50 different events, student will be given a situation where their sole role is to answer with a solution to the given situation.
DECA teacher Rob Lange works to prepare students, not just for competitions, but for future responsibilities.
“We give them real life skills, how to interview, how to do your resume, how to fill out a job application,” Lange said. The DECA class aids students to achieve a better and brighter future.
In regards to competitions, students work hard to prepare themselves for the testing portion and quick thinking.
“The kids prepare for different role plays, real life situations,” Lange said, “they get a few minutes to prep and they go talk to a judge and tell them what they would do and how they would handle the situation.”
Senior Kendall Penrod is on her second year of DECA and holds the Vice President position. “We have a lot of fun the first night, we have a pool party and it’s themed,” Penrod said, “It’s super fun we all get to hangout and mingle, and then Saturday is when we start competing.” Working in a pair with student Leanne Silvey, the two compete in the travel and tourism team and decision making.
DECA president Maggie Bauman is also a second year return to the state convention. As a senior, Bauman hopes to finish strong, “Truthfully I’m a little bit nervous just because I think there’s a little bit of extra pressure since I’m a senior, but I’m really excited. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Arriving on Friday the 2nd, the DECA team will begin the competition Saturday, then Sunday finalists are announced and compete that same afternoon. Bauman qualified for finals, “[I] was two spots away from qualifying to internationals,” Bauman said, “so I was close enough and I was in the ball park, hopefully this year I’ll actually hit the homerun.” Bauman competes in a solo event in the quick serve restaurant management.

After a long and stressful weekend, Perry DECA finished on top at their state convention. With 12 students qualifying for the DECA international competition, as well as both Keston Goodman and Matt Laird getting 100 percent on their role plays.