DECA is in full study mode as students prepare for the state-level competition at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, from Feb. 23-25.
Making it to the state level is not given; it is earned. Students first competed at the district level at Racine Case High School on Dec. 13. Indian Trail is a part of District 6, which comprises most southeastern Wisconsin DECA chapters. Over 400 students put forth their best work at districts, with Indian Trail sending 24.
Five Hawks qualified for the state competition. Calvin Dombowski (11), Piper Germain (11), Sean Hawkins (11), Mallory Kauffman (11) and Collin Youngman (12) all placed in the top three of their respective categories.
“Districts were a lot of fun, and I had a great time networking with other students and, of course, getting first place,” Germain said.
Through the efforts of the chapter, Indian Trail has also been awarded 10 extra spots at Lake Geneva by completing chapter incentives and participating in the chapter project writing program.
The 15 students representing Indian Trail at the state competition have a mapped-out rubric to ensure they keep their testing and roleplaying skills sharp. Students will have to complete five 100-question practice tests, along with recording six study sessions.
Heather Belke, who has been advising the DECA chapter since 2015, has had some great memories at the state competition.
“My favorite part of this competition is being able to bond with students at a professional level,” Belke said. “Having a pizza party with all of the kids and being able to relax over the three-day period is a great time.”
Students maintain a work-fun balance while at the resort, with opportunities to get soaked at the waterpark, duel other schools in the arcade and enjoy meals with friends while making connections with students from all over Wisconsin.
This is Calvin Dombkowski’s first year attending the state competition.
“I’m completing my study sessions, and I’m going to do more practice tests than required just to make sure I’m ready,” said Dombkowski.
Belke is hoping her students will walk away from the competition with more than just awards.
“Our goals for state are to obviously have some students qualify for the international competition, but it’s also important that students network and stay safe while traveling,” Belke said. “We hope to see a lot of success and have the kids grow as students.”
