Eaton High School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter set off on their third-ever attempt at the DECA District 7 Leadership Conference on Nov. 10. The competition was hosted at the University of Northern Colorado. The EHS DECA chapter was founded three years ago, meaning no student has yet had an entire four years of experience within the club. Led by EHS business teachers Alexander Adams and Christopher Love, students met at the school at the crack of dawn, prepped and ready in their business attire. Thirty-two students set off, prepared to present their roleplays and gain real-world business experience.
DECA’s mission statement is “to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.” In individual or team competitions, students embark on roleplay-style events where they analyze a prompt within a limited time frame and then present in front of judges who score them using a standardized rubric. As reflected in DECA’s mission, events range from marketing and hospitality to finance, ensuring there is a place for every type of student—business-oriented or not.
Before examining the results from this year’s district competition, it is worth noting the growth the EHS DECA chapter has experienced as it continues to develop. When the chapter was founded, it began with only six members—just enough to field a modest handful of events. The following year, that number grew as more students recognized the benefits of the program. This year, the chapter reached 33 members, marking one of its strongest turnouts yet. For reference: 2023 had 34 members, 2024 had 29 members, and 2025 returned to 33. Such growth not only strengthens the club’s presence at competitions but also encourages continued interest and participation within the school. Even without any four-year members, the chapter continues to expand in both size and confidence.
The DECA District competition included approximately 457 competitors across 31 events and serves as the precursor to the State Leadership Conference, hosted at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. While many members are focused on earning a spot at the Broadmoor, success at the district level must come first. This year, a multitude of Eaton High School students rose to that challenge.
In Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making, Kaci Paulus (26) and Gisselle Munoz (26) earned a state qualification. Hospitality Services Team Decision Making qualifiers included Kallie Plaisance (29) and Maddie Brown (28). Eliana Baessler (28) and Ceci Reynolds (28) qualified in Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making, while Dylan Stone (27) and Paxon Greenly (27) advanced in Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making. Abigail Gustafson (26) and Emma Roberts (26) also earned a qualification in Marketing Management Team Decision Making. These teams demonstrated strong preparation and a deep understanding of their event concepts. In addition, EHS secured thirteen alternates, each hoping for an opportunity to advance to the State Leadership Conference should a spot open. Collectively, the competitors showcased their skills and professionalism, leading to multiple placements at the district level.
Beyond competition, students also attended a variety of workshops during the leadership conference. These sessions allowed participants to gain insight from professionals across the business world, adding another layer of value to the DECA District Leadership Conference experience. As the chapter continues to advance, advisor Adams and the members remain focused on further success at future competitions, striving to master the skills DECA is designed to provide.
When reflecting on her success, Gisselle Munoz emphasized the mindset behind her achievement, referencing a quote that motivates her: “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard,” by Tim Notke. This philosophy reflects the effort many EHS DECA members bring to their preparation and performances.
Past president Dayne Riddle (25) echoed this sense of growth and continuity within the club. He stated that he “hopes that the club will continue to grow,” and reflected on his time as a leader by adding, “As president, I can only hope that all that come to follow will learn from those who came before them.” As this year’s district competition demonstrates, Eaton High School’s DECA members are doing exactly that—learning, growing, and building a foundation for future successes.
