On February 26, Urbandale High School students competed at the State DECA Competition at Southeast Polk High School. Critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and presentation skills were in high demand as 10 Urbandale High School students demonstrated leadership, poise, and expertise resulting in multiple awards and an invitation to the International Competition.

Prior to State, students competed at Districts at Central College. Before going to the events, students complete a 100-point multiple choice test, study with different quizlets, and then on the day of competition they participate in role plays where they receive a scenario, have an allotted time to go over the scenario, and then meet with a judge to do the role play.  While competing, students are expected to act, dress, think, and perform like a professional. 

“I am so proud of the students for participating in the DECA competitions,” said UHS Business Education Teacher Amanda Odegaard. “I feel like it gives them some real-world exposure and I know it will help them in their future endeavors!”  

Iowa DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA is organized into two unique student divisions each with programs designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members. The High School Division includes over 160,000 members in 3,200 schools. The Collegiate Division includes nearly 6,000 members in 210 colleges and universities.

Following the State Competition, students attended an award ceremony at DMACC in Ankeny. Elijah Wasburn and Ryan Dinh made it on stage for their events earning 6th and 5th places. Elijah did so well he will be continuing competition in his event during the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. 

UHS Student Competitors at the State DECA Competition

• Delaney Peterson and Kaidyn Shull—Sports and Entertainment Marketing
• Landon Hartley and Kolson O’Donnell—Sports and Entertainment Marketing
• Jillian Zuckerman and Ali Blaess—Travel and Tourism
• Ava Bibbs and Kate Pargeon—Entrepreneurship
• Ryan Dinh—Business Services Marketing
• Elijah Wasburn—Hotel and Lodging Management

UCSD congratulates these students for their outstanding performance at the State DECA Competition and wishes Elijah the best of luck during the International Competition next month. We are #proudofU!

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