DECA, a business competition, hosted the Regional wide event at Ramapo college. Pascack Hills students made their way to the college on January 3 for DECA Regionals, an event that club members of DECA all attend.

Before they left, the group of over 135 students lined up outside the school for the yearbook photo, then went onto 3 buses. At Regionals, solo and team competitors competed against other towns in the area in their roleplay category in the hopes to advance to States in Atlantic City. It was a long and stressful day for some but most students, especially freshmen who have never competed in DECA before, loved the experience

“Regionals was stressful and overwhelming but fun,” laughed freshman Larissa Aquaviva. “I grew as a thinker through a real life experience. I am excited to see what States brings even if it may be more stressful.”

Students found out if they advanced merely days after the Regionals, and Hills teacher, Corin Gamgort, announced that over 40 people qualified, a new school record. Freshman Kelly Lynch was ecstatic when she learned she had qualified for the state-wide competition. “I was so excited when I learned that I had qualified for States,“ Lynch spoke with happiness. “I am looking forward to States in Atlantic City and th fun it will bring.”

Seniors were also happy to learn that they had qualified, some for the 4th-year in a row. Senior Dillon Blowers has qualified for States every year, and is hoping to possibly advance to Nationals for his last year at Hills. “It’s cool to be able to go to States for the 4th year in a row,” he said. “I was here when John Levs started the club my freshmen year and a States 4-peat is really something only a couple seniors have done.”

There is also another category at States: Papers. Teams or solo competitors can advance to States if they write a paper on a specific topic. Liz Mashini, a freshman who is writing a 30-page group paper called the Creative Marketing Project, was happy but nervous. “Regionals was an overall fun and exciting time. I can’t wait to see what states brings, especially because I am writing a paper instead of doing a role play,” she spoke.

With DECA States on February 27-March 1st, there is plenty of time for qualifying students to study. Everyone from freshmen to seniors are excited to make the trip to Atlantic City.