Over this past weekend, DECA students who qualified traveled down to Seattle to compete in the state tournament. Although none of the peninsula participants placed in the rankings, it was a great learning experience and a great time.

The students left school early on Thursday to set out on their journey to Seattle. They stayed two nights in the city and returned home early Saturday morning. Three of Peninsula High School’s finest participants in the competition were asked about their time competing.

Kaleb Lichau said his greatest strength during competitions is his “confidence.” His weakness? “Only getting five hours of sleep the night before the competition.” Lichau was shocked by all the people who came to watch the competition, “ [Caleb] was most surprised at the amount of people who attended.”

Lena Janson who is Junior and DECA participant makes her goals and expectations for state very clear, “to find something that [she] loves to do and learn more about [herself] while doing it.” DECA has given Janson a “newfound confidence in [herself]” DECA has prepared her for future job opportunities, and helped her improve her “Critical thinking, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork”- which are some important skills to have when interviewing for a job. “I DEFINITELY recommend DECA to anyone,” Janson said.

Sean Walloch, who invited Janson to join DECA,  also participated in state this year. “DECA helps make new friends and learn more about what it takes to be a great salesperson,” Walloch said, “If he could go back and do anything different, I would have taken more time to prepare.”ss