The DECA state competition, held in San Antonio the last weekend of February was a success for Vandegrift. There were over 4,200 participants in the competitions and only 350 of them advanced.
With a record shattering number of internationals qualifiers, 24 out of the 48 participants will travel to Nashville in during April 23-26 for internationals.
“DECA has grown so much this year,” Senior Mariana Caldas said. “It is incredible considering Vandegrift is pretty new compared to other schools,”
DECA students have spent all of their competition season working on each of their proposals. Some compete in exam format, others give pitches, role-play or write papers.
“It’s not as much competing as you think,” Senior Emily Gruner said. “It’s way more hanging out with your friends and the bonds you make with people in DECA are really nice.”
You can compete in marketing, finance, hospitality and tourism, entrepreneurship and business management and administration. Each competition has multiple subsections as well.
“There are so many incredibly intelligent and creative people in our club,” Caldas said. “I started competing as a junior and I really wish I had started earlier. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about the business world.”

2016 Internationals qualifiers:
Nicholas Blauvelt- Business Operations Research Written
Amar Srinivasan- Business Services Marketing Series
Kalei Lucas-Marinelli, Emily Perez, Ami Patel Entrepreneurship Independent Business Plan
Chris Schwartz & Adrian Sherwood Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making
Reese Bryars & Kennedy Smith Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan
Julia Hu Professional Selling Event
Emily Gruner & Mariana Caldas Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan
Anjali Gondi, Angela Phan & Zumanah Mahmud Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan
Johnny Morreale- Hotel lodging Management Series
Suhas Avirneni Business Finance Series Event
Sean Mogavero, Matthew Marshall & Joe Nulf- Sports and Enetertainment Promotion Plan
Rishi Agrawal Personal Financial Literacy
Rohan Gupta Personal Financial Literacy