It’s that time of year again for BP DECA students. On Dec. 11, they head into their district conference at Duquesne University.

This year, Bethel Park will have 54 representatives in the PA DECA district conference with approximately 40 more upper-level students working on projects for the State Conference.

When looking at the number of students who qualified in last year’s event, the odds are in Bethel Park’s favor.

In the 2023 PA DECA district conference, Bethel Park had 25 students qualify for states in their roleplay performances.

To be able to qualify for states, individuals placing in the top 3, and teams placing in the top 4 are eligible to advance to states in February in Hershey, Pa. for a 4-day event.

With numerous workshops, networking opportunities, and competitions during the state event, BPHS students will have a prime opportunity to not only demonstrate their hard work but also gain invaluable experience that can benefit their future career paths.

This gives BPHS students a big opportunity as many college representatives also attend the conference each year, allowing students to be able to communicate with schools on a large scale.

The BP DECA Advisor Mrs. Smoller had this to say regarding the opportunities DECA provides: “DECA provides the opportunity to practice all of the skills necessary to be successful beyond high school!  DECA students demonstrate their communication skills, problem-solving skills, presentation skills, creativity, and collaboration through their participation in projects and competitions.”

Beyond the immediate benefits of the conference, participating in DECA provides lifelong skills and connections. Students enhance their public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities while also learning how to work effectively as part of a team. These skills are essential not only in business settings but in any future endeavor they choose to pursue.