Arlington High Schools DECAs team is going to state from February 28th-March 2nd. This is an amazing opportunity for our students after their outstanding year of work. After state, they will go onto nationals. 

Ella Shaffer, a junior at Arlington High School, has participated in DECA for three years now. This chance to go state holds a special place in Shaffers heart, “Being able to go to state is one of the most amazing opportunities I could have.  It makes me feel like all of the hard work was worth it and it wasn’t just a waste of time.” Shaffer said. 

Deca or Distributive Education Clubs of America, is widely known in just about ever high school. Deca prepares participants for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Deca is extremely helpful for skill development meaning students can get communication and critical thinking skills. It also helps with networking opportunities, deca members can connect with other members, professionals and mentors which will be extremely beneficial for the future. 

Getting to go to state is not easy, there is a lot that goes into getting this privilege, “being able to get there takes hard work in communication and making sure you understand every concept of your event.”  Shaffer said. Being able to showcase your particular skill after putting in all the hard work and dedication really pays off in the end,

Joining Deca can be a very impactful experience for anyone interested in, marketing, finance, hospitality or management, “If you are interested in deca don’t just join for the resume, join because you want to have a future in the business world and because you want to learn everything you can about your future career.” Shaffer said. 

As our DECA team goes to state we will congratulate them on this amazing opportunity and how much their hardwork and dedication paid off. After working after school hours and going to other competitions, our deca team finally gets to show Washington State what our team is made of.