About 22,000 DECA members from around the world have been competing and participating in the international competition in Orlando.Perry DECA students were able to compete and many received  recognition and awards in their events, representing Arizona, CUSD, and PHS extremely well.

A great amount of our PHS students were able to participate and come on top. Junior Paige Adams, sophomore Emily Anasagasti, and senior CJ Parisian, helped with an international officer campaign earning praise, and CJ was awarded $1 thousand scholarship. Sophomore Yejin Sohn earned a medal for finishing in the top ten percent for her events and finished twenty percent overall,  junior Amber Adams, the new DECA State Officer, finished top 20 percent for her events.

This opportunity to compete with a variety of other people gave them the chance to measure their level of skill and knowledge in the events competed in. It gives a person motive to create something new, find ways to do something better than other and in a way all this helps every human being.

Junior Amber Adams said, “competing with people from all around the world is something not many organizations get to do, so I don’t take it for granted”.

Preparation varies depending on the event the students are competing in. There is a test given which is the biggest separator at ICDC(International Career Development Conference) and if not achieved a score in the 90’s there’s a slim chance of making it to Finals. Adams informs, “In order to qualify to compete at ICDC, participants must place in the top-5 of their events at the State Career Development Conference.” DECA gives them the opportunity to work hard and improve themself.  

“As the new District 5 State Officer, I have already been given many travel opportunities with my team,” Adams said. DECA expands the learning beyond the classroom it has helped the students become highly motivated leaders. Adam said,“Not only are these trips an opportunity to experience new places, they provide me with opportunities to network and gain life skills.”