DECA States took place on Monday, March 2nd and Tuesday, March 3rd. Students taking business as an elective had the option to participate in DECA regionals, and the top performers from the regional competition advanced to the State level. Of the 320 East students that began the competition, 155 advanced. DECA states brought 42 finalists and 24 ICDC qualifiers (national level competitors) for East, and many more out of the entire state. DECA students have been working on their projects since September, and the community and competition is treasured for the skills it teaches students. Grayson Leslie (‘21), who competed at the State level and finaled, describes her experience as extremely rewarding. “It’s been amazing, and I’ve seen so much growth in myself…I’ve gotten to meet tons of new people and just have so much fun.”
DECA has many different projects that one can choose to participate in, including both written projects and roleplay projects. Leslie participated in an individual roleplay on Automotive Service Marketing. “I thought that [Automotive Service Marketing] was different and a bit avant-garde. Most people wouldn’t expect a girl to be participating in that category, so I thought I could surprise people.” The categories one can choose to market are diverse and enable students to develop a good grasp on what the business world has to offer. DECA allows students endless possibilities to discover areas they feel passionate about, and make a career out of selling it to others, learning what goes into a real business.
DECA has principal events within each topic. There are 10 page papers, 20 page papers, virtual challenges, stock market games,and goose chase. You can choose to participate in these events either individually or participate as a team.
Every event offered is designed to help students understand the diversity and possibility within the business field. The field holds more than just entrepreneurship and marketing; it also involves a variety of important things that go into a successful business, such as watching the stock market, and writing analysis papers on profits and consumer reports.
Not only is DECA educational, it’s fun too. “Every competition is a blast to participate. Regionals were so much fun, and States was a blast even though I wasn’t back in my room until at least twelve that night.” said Leslie. “Although I didn’t make it to ICDC this year, I did [advance to] final which is something I’m very proud of. No matter how you do, [the competition is] always a great time.”
For those able to advance as far as States, DECA allows you to meet new people in Downtown DECA where different tables are set up for conversations ranging from hundreds of different interests. DECA states has art areas, video game centers, DECA store, a food court, exhibitors of businesses and colleges, and a game area run by students hoping to get on the New Jersey DECA board. “Honestly, Downtown DECA is where I spent most of my time during the competition,” said Leslie laughing. “While [in Atlantic City] we weren’t allowed to leave the hotel, but it didn’t matter because [Downtown] was so fun.”

Best of luck and congratulations to all who advanced and participated in DECA this year.