On Jan. 14, 2026, 27 DECA students competed in a DECA District Competition at Brownsburg High. Ultimately, seven SHS students at the District Competition advanced to DECA’s State Competition, which will take place in March in downtown Indianapolis.
“I thought everybody seemed like they did a good job,” senior and DECA co-president, Lydia Hiller said. “… I was just excited.”
DECA is a business and leadership organization that puts students in situations regarding the different fields in business. It helps students develop communication, leadership and business skills overall.
“It’s an academic competition club overall,” DECA advisor Ashley Quinlin said.
In DECA, students are able to participate in a competition to demonstrate the skills they have learned. One of the ways to participate is by submitting a paper project to the competition.
Out of the 27 students, two students pursued a paper project, which ultimately led them to state finals.
The rest of the students decided to do a roleplay. In a roleplay, students are handed a scenario and after a couple of minutes, have to present their project in front of judges and impress them with their performance.
After all was completed, seven students are continuing to the state competition.
“It’s incredible because most of the students this year are brand new to the club, or (it’s) their first time they’ve made it,” Quinlin said.
With DECA, students gain skills and experience in the business world. With most enjoying it as a club, some hope it leads to something greater.
“I really loved it last year. The process of creating a paper and getting to work with people,” Hiller said. “Since I really liked it, I’m planning on majoring in business. I definitely would not have come to that conclusion without DECA.”
