On April 29^th, 2011, SWTCA’s DECA Chapter will be traveling to Orlando, Florida for the DECA National Competition. The winners from the Nevada DECA State Competition have earned the opportunity to compete in this national event. Approximately 30 students will be attending this national conference.

“Our DECA club at Southwest has been working hard to excel in the State Competition and now, Nationals. It’s a great honor to be a part of it all,” says sophomore Ellaha Koshan.

Each participant will compete in a business skills or marketing category. These areas of competition were chosen by each participant. Some will be creating their business and marketing project as individuals, while others will compete with partners for their project.

“My partner and I have been getting together after school, as well as during any free time that we may have to complete and perfect our project,” says sophomore Neela Zaman.

Those who did not qualify during the state competitions are welcome on the trip as well. These students will be placed in Leadership Academies to help improve their business and marketing skills for next year.

Another part of their trip’s itinerary will be visiting Universal Studios and Disneyworld during their weeklong trip. DECA members are also invited to various concerts after competing.

Karin Jones, DECA advisor, states, “I’m looking forward to being a part of SWCTA students taking their marketing skills and professionalism to the next level in an international competition.”

DECA members are required to pay a large portion of the overall $900 cost for the trip. If members are planning on attending, but are lacking the funds needed to attend, they can work in the student store.