AHS DECA competes at State

Arlington High School DECA students took part in this year’s state competition in early March.

The business-focused international club helps students practice a number of skills that they may not have otherwise been exposed to.

“We had a lot of first year students which we were really excited about,” said Arlington High School DECA member Lauren Zahradnik. “We learned a lot … given the time we had to prepare we all did very well,” she said.

There are a number of different categories that students compete in, such as human resources or marketing and communications.

For many of the competitions students will receive packets with a role play scenario that they will have to enact in front judges.

“You’re trying to be professional and you have a list of indicators that you need to hit throughout your meeting,” said Arlington High School student Meredith Marsh.

“You’re judged on your ability to demonstrate 21st century business skills,” said Zahradnik.

Arlington High School DECA student Deagon Potong took part in the communications category.

“It’s about the importance of building a better customer relationship and how to communicate in written text,” he said.

Students said they enjoyed the ability to meet a number of other students like them at the big state meet.

“When I go to competition it’s a lot of meeting people with the same interests as I do,” said Zahradnik.

“It’s really nice to meet other people who care that much about the things that you do,” said Marsh.

The competition allows students to get out of their comfort zones as well.

“My most important thing that I got out of it is that it helped me meet a lot of new people and get out there more,” said Potong.

He said that the experience has helped him be more confident, especially around strangers.

“People aren’t as scary as they seem,” he said.

Marsh also agreed that the experience has been good for her.

“I think it builds a lot of confidence,” she said.

She encourages other people to consider DECA.

“DECA is a really amazing opportunity,” said Marsh.

“It’s something you should give a try if you haven’t thought about it before,” she said.

Zahradnik said she was encouraged to get involved in the club at the beginning of high school.

“I really wasn’t passionate about anything, I didn’t play sports or anything… joining was one of the best decisions of my life,” she said.

She has appreciated the community she has found as part of the club.

“I will always know the importance of having a family outside of your own home,” she said.