Junior Anika Hanson recalls the nerves and excitement of the moment her group won the recent DECA competition.

“At first we were hoping to do really well and then after the actual event, we were more nervous after seeing how many other schools and competitors (were at the event),” Hanson said. “We heard our names announced — we were so surprised and excited.”

According to junior Rachel Young, her group prepared an 11 page paper and a 15 minute presentation to showcase the Libellu skincare company they already created.

“(The presentation) was based on Libellu brand that we’ve made and we’ve been working on and then (we attended) the awards ceremony, and we ended up taking first,” Young said.

According to Hanson, her job working for the skincare line is helping her in school. Hanson said the company she works for has helped her get involved with DECA.

“The business department is helping us get an intern credit for working at Libellu,” Hanson said. “Ms. Ross just told us about the opportunity to compete and (that) we could use the business that we’ve already helped develop in DECA.According to DECA adviser Sophia Ross, the club and the competition give students the opportunity to grow the skills that will aid them in the real world.

“DECA is good because it prepares students for life right now, but also in the future. It gives them experience in using and demonstrating their problem solving skills, critical thinking, planning, preparing, communications skills and letting them meet other students from other schools,” Ross said.

According to junior Rachel Young, DECA is a club that helps students learn what it’s like to be a part of the business world.

“It does give you a lot of experience (because) people compete in practice interviews and different activities that are related to the workforce,” Young said. “It does look very good for colleges.”