When senior Lauryn Myhra found out that she was moving onto state, she was shocked to have made it so far.

“My partner and I were really surprised, since it is our first year in DECA,” Myhra said. “We didn’t expect to go to state and we were just doing it for fun.”

After two days of competition, six DECA students placed high enough to move onto state, all of whom competed for the first time.

Co-adviser Sophia Ross said the success came from their preparation skills.

“I see most of these students on a daily basis, so we practiced a lot,” she said. “Students are so motivated and so excited about new things so they want to try their hardest.”

Junior Dave Herrera, who also advanced to state, said he prepared himself by practicing his presentation several times.

“I prepared myself by talking to others to boost my confidence,” Herrera said. “I also looked up questions that I could ask in my (mock interview).”

According to Ross, students must place in the top three in order to move on to nationals. She says her goal is to have everyone improve and advance.

“(Jena Splettstoeser) and I are giving feedback on how to improve their presentation,” she said. “We hope students make it to the final round.”

Myhra said her goals are to not only to move onto the next round, but to improve her presentation.

“Our goals are we hope to improve our presentation abilities and to work with Ross and Splettstoeser.”

While Herrera also hopes to move onto nationals, he hopes to enjoy the experience.

“I hope to get (at least) 3rd place,” he said. “Even if I don’t, I hope to learn and have a great time because it’s an opportunity to compete (in state).”

Along with Herrera and Myhra, juniors Akhila Murthy, Luiza Kieffer, Kalaia Bouley, and senior Allie Simonett also moved onto state. Competition takes place March 2-4 at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.