By Bernie Weldon
April 23rd through the 26th 14,000 students, plus 8,000 advisors, judges and organizers congregated in Orlando, Florida for DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Nationals.
There were four Weiser High students who qualified at State for Nationals: Joshua Negrete – Principles of Business Management & Administration, Andrew Enders – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making, Timea Osvath – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making, and Pearl Kaewta – Franchising Business Plan.
The first day was the written exams, 100 questions timed for 90 minutes, throughout the day. The second day was the individual meetings with the judges. At the students scheduled time they received a case study on a business problem/opportunity and were given 20-30 minutes depending the the topic to prepare and then give a 10-15 minute presentation.
On the morning of the third day they announced the finalist in each category who then went back for a second interview regarding a different case study. Only three students from the entire state of Idaho made it into the final round. On the evening of the third day the winners were announced. No one form Idaho won any of the categories, but it was an incredible opportunity for all of them to step up and do something difficult that will help prepare them for future challenges. They will never forget this experience, thank you to all who have supported them.
Pictured below is Ethan Sullender from the Weiser Elks who on Friday, April 28th presented a check for $400.00 to Weiser High DECA.
