DECA State

By, Michael Applegate

At Pueblo County High School the Distributive Education Clubs of America team (DECA) went to state on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 27 & 28, at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. With 28 students from PCHS competing in many different categories.

Desiree Bowlby, first-year teacher and head of the DECA department said, “At first it was overwhelming and then I would have to say it was pride and enjoyment. The students had a great time and everyone came out with a little nugget of information.”
 
State Finalists were Ethan Conrad, Mati Lewin, Gianna Manxanares, Noah Weckx, Ava Tucci, and Ava Cortese. The National Qualifier from PCHS in the Hotel and Lodging Management category is Mati Lewin and in the Principles of Business Management and Administration category is Noah Weckx. 

Gianna Manzanares, senior, and one of the state finalists said “It was different, it was a little more nerve-wracking but very bittersweet because it was the last one I would participate in as a senior in high school.”

Bowlby said she was mostly nervous for all her students because she wanted them to feel good about themselves and the experience. She also wanted them to know that she was there for them as their little cheerleader on the side. After they started rolling she said, “ I just started to be great in how well they all did.” 

She also wanted them to all know how proud she was of all their efforts. As well as the whole Pueblo County School being proud of them all too.