by Oscar Pinto
In its first year at the school, Christopher Columbus High School's DECA program made an impressive debut by sending 18 students to the State Career Development Conference (CDC) in Orlando, Florida. DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Before States
To qualify for the competitions, students had to take an exam in their respective competitions. Columbus had over 18 Explorers who placed in the top five or were bumped up for replacing other competitors.
The qualifying students were:
Principles of Finance: Alejandro Caram, Mauricio Gonzalez, Taro Porschke, Gabriel Soto
Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series: Alejandro Gil, Lucas Hernandez, Julian Sosa
Hospitality Services Team Decision Making: Jean-Manuel Granda and Carlos Gutierrez; Iker Urresti and Andres Vidal
Principles of Business Management and Administration: Oscar Pinto
Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making: Christopher Regalado and Franklin Torealba
Business Finance Series: Robert Tompkins
On the other hand, some individuals who did not qualify through their test had the opportunity to make a 20-page business plan, which is a daunting task in a month's time.
The Explorers who powered through qualified for the state competition. The students were Ahmad Lamaa, Nicolas Nolte, and Luke Smith, who worked on the Business Growth Plan.
During States
On the first day during CDC, students arrived at the hotel with nerves high. The Explorers first had some tacos for lunch. Shortly after, the opening session began, where Columbus as a school won an honorable mention in the Membership Campaign.
The next day was competition day, where the Explorers had different competition times for their respective category. Columbus overall scored well in competition. The intense day ended with a team meal at Outback.
The third day served as a break. The team enjoyed a trip to Kings Dining and Entertainment for bowling and arcade games, thanks to their moderator, Mrs. Balado. Later that evening, they visited Disney Springs for shopping and dinner before preparing for the awards ceremony.
Three students emerged on the podium during the awards ceremony and who now have opportunity to represent Columbus during ICDC (Internationals) later this year in Orlando, FL.
Alejandro Caram ended up placing 3rd 3rd in Principles of Finance, giving him a bid to for ICDC this year.
“I am very happy I qualified. It's something I worked for very hard, and I am very excited to compete at ICDC this year,” he said.
Alejandro Gil ended up in 9th place for Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series, also giving him a shot at ICDC this year
“I’m excited to compete at ICDC and glad I placed high enough,” Gil said.
Oscar Pinto ended up in 9th place for Principles of Business Management and Administration, giving him a shot to compete at ICDC this year.
As Columbus DECA wraps up a successful first year, the team is already looking forward to expanding its presence in future competitions. The students formed connections with peers from across the state, and the chapter hopes to increase its number of state and international qualifiers next year.
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