Orono High School has been taking part in the DECA program since 1973, making this year their 45th year of participation. On Jan. 28, 126 students, of which include juniors and seniors at Orono High School, traveled to Wayzata High School to compete in the District Conference. Of these 126 student, 68 qualified to advance to the State Conference and were recognized the following day at Medina Entertainment Center. The collegiate organization was constructed and built on the basis of preparing high school students for their business aspirations throughout their college career and lifetime.

The District Conference consists of 40 individual events and 19 written based activities. These events were pursued by students from Orono, Wayzata, Chaska, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, and Hopkins. Each participant was highly encouraged to be involved in more than one event.

Senior Lily Prine, a two year state qualifier from Orono High School described DECA as, “a beneficial program that gives insight to real life jobs for students. What is offered in this program is not found anywhere else giving students the unique DECA bug feeling.” Other students from Orono described this popular program as eye-opening, competitive, and inspiring.

Students similar to Lily will be traveling to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown minneapolis March 4-6, to compete in the State Conference. Depending on the placement in each category, students may have the opportunity to advance in this competition and make it to the international DECA Conference which takes place April 20-25 in Atlanta, Georgia.

A handful of Orono competitors not only qualified for state, but 36 competitors double qualified, and 5 triple qualified. Each of these students were recognized multiple times at the award ceremony and attain the same goal to make it to the International Conference.

“As a first year participant, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was going to be like. I am very impressed with what I have been able to take away from this program and value all the hard work I put into it. I am so excited for the State Conference and with all the help of the mentors and advisors I am confident I will do well,” said one fo the double qualifiers, Archie Bulgar.

Keith Jurek, Oronos DECA advisor says, “five years from now, when a kid has gone through the experience that DECA offers and they need to do something such as apply for a job, they will know the steps necessary to become successful. In order to attain success, you must work hard and through DECA kids learn how.” Keith is an extremely important role model that is behind the scenes mentoring these kids to success through the exciting competition.

DECA has over 215,000 members and 5,500 advisors. The program claims that it “has impacted the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators, and business professionals since it was founded in 1946.” As the program becomes better known year after year, it is anticipated that number will only grow larger, affecting even more of our population in a positive way.

Current second year DECA participant, Thomas Lecy, shares, “I’ve had such a fun experience with DECA. Specifically last year when I was fortunate enough to make it to Internationals. DECA has increased many of my skill sets, such as learning how to research, write formal business plans, and how to act during a roleplay and formal setting. As my skill sets have immensely increased, I can’t wait to compete this upcoming March at the State Conference where I know myself and my team members will kick DECA butt.”