DECA is formerly known as an association of marketing students. Our goal is to prepare the emerging leaders in marketing, business, management, and entrepreneurship. We are an educational/vocational organization, authorized both by the US Senate and the international community (all 50 states, Canada, Guam, Hong Kong and Germany have DECA Chapters). The organization totals over 180,000 members.
In Indiana DECA, we have three main competitions - The District Career Development Conferences (there are 9 separate competitions for separate districts, although some districts are combined), the State Career Development Conference, and the International Career Development Conference, which is in Salt Lake City Utah this year.
At these competitions, students complete a 100 question exam over the basics of their chosen category - these exams usually contain questions on basic management, business, marketing, and accounting skills. Then, the students complete two business scenarios (commonly referred to as 'roleplays'). Students are given 10 minutes to review a 1-2 page business scenario, in which a task or problem is described - the students must then create a business plan/spreadsheet to conquer the problem, while providing background information about the business and answering judges questions. This tests the students ability to think on their feet, their knowledge on the subject, and interpersonal skills.
Also at the State Conference, elections are held for state offices. I myself ran for District 1 President and, being the only one who qualified for the position, was elected. My job will be to run the District Conference, fund raise for the District, run the Fall Leadership Conference, be a liaison between advisers, students, and the Indiana DECA State Officer Board. My term takes effect the beginning of July.
This year, Washington Township took 5 students to the State Career Development Conference for competition/voting. At SCDC, there was a rough total of 1500 students competing in separate categories. Washington Townships standings were as follows:
| Name | Category | Recognition |
| Nathan Hendrix | Apparel & Accessories Marketing | Medal of Excellence |
| Matthew Gibson | Marketing Management | Medal of Excellence, Third Place Roleplay |
| Holly Evans | Accounting Applications | Medal of Excellence, First Place Exam, First Place Roleplay, First Place Overall |
| Andrew Guenther | Hotel & Lodging Management | Medal of Excellence, Second Place Exam, Second Place Roleplay, Third Place Overall, Elected District 1 President |
The top three overall places in each category and newly elected officers are given permission to attend the International Career Development Conference. Holly Evans and Myself will be attending for competition, and I will take additional leadership courses.
The total cost for this trip is around $1600. To pay for this trip, we are selling ads to business on the back of shirts that will be worn by the team next year, Port-A-Pit Chicken Tickets, and additional small fundraisers.
Any business' interested in purchasing an ad are encouraged to contact me at Andrew.Guenther@indianadeca.org.