Palmer Ridge DECA has once again proven to be a force to be reckoned with at the state competition held at The Broadmoor. This annual event brings together some of the brightest young minds in business and marketing from across the state to compete in various categories such as entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality, and marketing.
DECA, short for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a non-profit organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
The state competition serves as a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge, and the top performers are selected to represent their state at the international competition.
With 12 students qualifying for the international competition and one student elected as a state officer, the team, who have always been known for their success, exceeded expectations this year with their outstanding performance

Jasmine Anderson, a student at Palmer Ridge High School, was elected as a state officer, representing over 1,200 students in the competition district. This was a huge achievement for Anderson, as well as Palmer Ridge and District 38.

Claire Munroe, a sophomore, won first place in Principles of Business and Administration. Munroe expressed her surprise at winning, saying “It went well. I didn’t expect to qualify.” While Munroe had a lot of fun at the competition, she was surprised by the expensive food at The Broadmoor. However, the experience brought her closer to her fellow DECA members, forming a sense of camaraderie, “I got to know a lot of people that I never got to talk to before.”

Amy Berliner and Lexi Burns placed second for Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making. Berliner also competed in an individual written event and both events went well. They were finalists in their team event but unfortunately did not make it through in their written event.

Reflecting on her experience, Munroe had a great time and formed a closer sense of camaraderie with her fellow DECA members. “I got to know a lot of people that I never got to talk to before.” Looking back, there were a few things she might have done differently, “If I knew what I know now, I would have told myself to not be nervous,” explained Munroe.

Palmer Ridge DECA had a total of 15 finalists and 12 qualifiers for the international competition. The national qualifiers included Jake Ankrum for Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Coleson Kovacs and Chloe Catalano for Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research, Jasmine Anderson for Buying and Merchandising Operations Research, Ava Connelly for Entrepreneurship, Kaya Kimmey and Ethan Guarnera for Marketing Management Team Decision-Making, Claire Munroe for Principles of Business and Administration (1st Place), Roxy Palmer for Principles of Business and Administration (2nd Place), and Nick Djokovich for Business and Finance Series.

Elijah Arnholt was also a finalist in Integrated Marketing Campaign, Bryson Turner for Principles of Business and Administration, Jasmine Anderson for Hotel and Lodging Management, and Myla Bull, Megan Gallegos, and Channing Howarth for Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research were all finalists.

Overall, Palmer Ridge DECA’s performance at the state competition was impressive, and they have set the bar high for the international competition. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!