Though only a two-year-old program at the school, DECA has attracted many new members to its business organization. With 25 members this year, and 12 last year, they have more than doubled their participation, but are still looking to bring in more talent to advance the program further.  

“I think the more people we have involved, the better, and that also allows the kids to pick what they want to do, and it’s just more fun when there are more kids at the meeting, more kids at the different activities, at the conferences and at the competition,” DECA advisor Mary Janssen said.

They have two upcoming competitions coming up after break, the All Metro Competition at Millard South High School on Jan. 24 and the Capital City Invite at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Jan. 30. Between 400 to 600 students are expected to attend the All Metro Competition. 

These competitions can be performed with a group or individually.  They require role-play, presenting in front of a judge and basic communication skills to show why their presentation is the best. Members compete in categories like marketing, finance and hospitality. 

“I plan on doing a team event with the DECA team, and I want to be in the marketing category,” freshman Ella Ahonda said. “I’m interested in marketing because it’s really interesting how you can get people to buy things.”

DECA has already had its first conference of the year, so all the new members have already gotten a taste of what it’s like.

“I was really nervous at first, but it ended up being really fun,” Ahonda said. “I learned how to act in competitions, and I met a lot of different people from different schools.”

Standing out is vital to succeeding at DECA competitions, according to senior Garrett Tenney, who placed fifth in Principles of Business, Management and Administration in the 2025 Nebraska DECA State Career Development Conference. 

“I’d say the best advice is to be nice to your judge and just be very charismatic,” he said. “A lot of people are going to say the same things because, you know, the nature of competitions, but if you really stand out because you’re funny, or you’re really nice, that’s how the judge is gonna remember you.”

DECA members encourage others to try it.

“I really like how Mrs. Janssen is one of the best teachers for this role,” Ahonda said. “I feel like she’s just really nice and inviting, and she makes it easy for anyone to join. And I also feel like the team is just very welcoming, too.”

The Nebraska State Career Development Conference will be held at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln on March 19 and 20. Internationals will be held from April 25 to 28 in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the International Career Development Conference.