Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) competed at the State Career Development Conference in San Antonio from Feb. 23 to 25 and will advance to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) on April 26 to 29 in Anaheim, California.

“State was everything I expected and more,” senior president Simran Sohal said. “DECA’s motto this year is ‘Own Your Future’ and I really believe that being part of DECA allows you to have more control about what you do past high school. This organization thoroughly prepares you to be college and career ready.”

Out of 4,000 DECA members, Hebron DECA will be sending eight finalists and seven winners, the most they have ever sent.

“Everyone [who is] going to compete in Anaheim has worked so hard to make it there,” Sohal said. “In my head, they’re already winners, but it’ll be nice if they win at Internationals”

DECA will be having more practices and study sessions to prepare for ICDC.

“Being a competitive person, I obviously hope to place at Internationals,” vice president Chris John said. “Setting high goals for yourself is definitely a key to success. I also hope to gain the experience of competing at the ICDC level, as it will help me learn from the experience and take it with me moving forward. It could definitely be a building block for future success, especially if I decide to compete in collegiate DECA.”