This season, the Lakes DECA Team is celebrating success more than ever. With nearly 50 students participating at the area level and 12 qualifying for state, two distinct paths have emerged: students advancing as a state level competitor, and students earning a prestigious role as a DECA Ambassador. Kennedy Brown (11th), Patrick Wells (12th), and Mr. Robles (Advisor) explained their journey.
Q1: Could you tell me a bit about yourself and the category you competed in?
Patrick:
“I’ve competed in human resources management. I placed around 7th or 8th, which meant I wasn’t in the competitive range for advancing traditionally. That’s when I decided to apply for the DECA Ambassador Program—a selective opportunity for just 40 seniors. Now, I’m heading to state as an ambassador, where I help support and guide my peers.”
Kennedy:
“I competed in the food marketing section, which focuses on marketing for grocery stores and new food lines. In my first role-play interview, I scored a 98, and in the second, I got an 86, so I met all the criteria and presented well.”
Q2: For those who aren’t familiar with DECA, what exactly is it and how does the competition work?
Patrick:
“DECA is a business management club that prepares you for future career challenges. The competition is structured as a role play where you’re given a scenario, have about 10 minutes to prepare your strategy, and then present your solution one-on-one to a judge, much like pitching to a boss.”
Kennedy:
“DECA is essentially a business club where you learn about marketing and other business disciplines, then apply those concepts to real-life situations. On competition day, you check in about 15 minutes early, get a role-play scenario with 10 minutes to prepare, and then present your solution. The day is organized with a welcome assembly, multiple competition rounds, lunch, and an awards ceremony.”
Advisor:
“At Lakes, our DECA Club comes together not only to compete but also to prepare through practice sessions, quizzes, and workshops. We focus on both academic and practical aspects like fundraising and community service.”
Q3: How did you prepare for the competition?
Patrick:
“I prepared by using the DECA Plus website to review all the necessary content for my category. I also practiced one-on-one with my mom, who’s a human resources manager. This was my third or fourth competition, so I knew what to expect, even if that first role play always felt a bit daunting.”
Kennedy:
“I focused on understanding my personal indicators and studied current marketing trends to get a solid grip on the subject matter. There’s a lot to learn, and sometimes it felt like I was going in blind. I even over-prepared at times, which made me a bit nervous initially, but it ultimately paid off.”
Q4: Did you encounter any challenges during preparation or at the competition?
Patrick:
“The main challenge for me was with the testing portion of the competition. We have role play scores and a test score that are combined, and my test scores were lower than I’d hoped. It was a balancing act between performing in the role plays and excelling in the written test.”
Kennedy:
“One challenge was the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what scenario we’d face. That unpredictability could be nerve-wracking, and sometimes I felt like I was over-preparing. But those nerves eventually turned into a boost of confidence once I was in the flow of the presentation.”
Q5: What are some key lessons or skills you’ve gained from being in DECA?
Patrick:
“DECA has taught me how to interact with new people and build confidence. I’ve also improved my public speaking skills, which have been invaluable, especially when I’m managing the student store and leading my team.”
Kennedy:
“The biggest lesson for me has been the importance of confidence. Knowing your material is crucial but presenting it with authority is what really makes a difference. DECA has pushed me to become comfortable speaking one-on-one with judges and handling pressure.”
Advisor:
“Through DECA, students develop leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. These abilities aren’t just for competitions, they’re essential for real-world business situations and for personal growth.”
Q6: What do you enjoy most about being part of DECA?
Patrick:
“I really enjoy the ambassador role. It allows me to support my peers, guide them through the process, and contribute to the overall success of our team. It’s a rewarding way to give back while still experiencing the excitement of state-level competition.”
Kennedy:
“For me, it’s all about competing. I love the challenge and the adrenaline of the role plays, but I also value the bonding time with friends. The camaraderie and networking with students from other schools make the experience even more special.”
Q7: What advice would you give to students considering joining DECA?
Patrick:
“Go for it! The first step might seem intimidating, but once you’re in, you’ll find that the experience is incredibly rewarding. Pick a category that genuinely interests you, there are so many options, and choosing one you’re passionate about makes all the difference.”
Kennedy:
“Absolutely, jump in. Choose a topic you know you can excel in, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The lessons and experiences you gain from DECA will not only boost your confidence but also prepare you for future challenges.”
Q8: What are your goals for future competitions?
Partrick:
“My goal is to make the most of my ambassador role at state by helping others and further developing my leadership skills. It’s all about growing both as an individual and as part of a team.”
Kennedy:
“I’m aiming to finish in the top four at state so I can qualify for the national competition in Florida. Competing on a larger stage is an exciting challenge, and I hope to bring that level of success to the national level.”
Q9: From an advisor’s perspective, what does DECA mean for Lakes and its students?
Advisor:
“DECA at Lakes is more than a club, it’s a community where students prepare for real-world business challenges. This year, nearly 50 students participated at the area level and 12 qualified for state. It’s an outstanding achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our students. My role is to support and guide them, but ultimately, they’re the ones who put in the effort. Through DECA, students gain invaluable skills like leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, all of which serve them well beyond the competition.”
Q10: Finally, what does being part of DECA and qualifying for state mean to you personally?
Patrick:
“Qualifying for state as an ambassador means a great deal, it’s a validation of the hard work I’ve put in, as well as the support from my mentors and peers. It’s an honor and a motivator to keep pushing forward.”
Kennedy:
“Being part of DECA and qualifying for state is both flattering and empowering. It boosted my confidence significantly. Even when I felt nervous, it proved to me that I can rise to the challenge and succeed, which is an incredibly rewarding feeling.”
