By Courtney Diddell, Reporter
Six members from Kaneland’s DECA team will be going to Salt Lake City on April 28 through May 2 to participate in 2012’s DECA Nationals for the first time since 2009.
Paul Mayer, DECA adviser, is taking the team to nationals for the second time in his six years as sponsor.
“I’m excited for the kids. I’m happy they worked hard to reach their goals,” Mayer said.
Senior Alejandra Salinas will be competing in Quick Service Restaurant Management, following her third place win at state. Five other students–seniors Drew Peters, Stelios Lekkas and Eric Dillon and sophomore Josh Rodriguez–will not be competing but qualified to attend leadership academies and workshops at Nationals as they represent Illinois DECA.
“When I placed third in state, I was really surprised but excited,” Salinas said.
Mayer said Salinas had worked the hardest on the team this year and shown the most improvement, but still, the team’s advance to Nationals was a welcome surprise.
“I didn’t think we would make it this far. We thought the potential [to advance to Nationals] was there, but it was hard to predict,” Mayer said.
Peters and Lekkas took first in sectionals for Financial Services, and Peters said it was no surprise to him that they were going to do well in state.
“I didn’t think we were going to nationals, but I knew we were going to do well since Stelios and I placed first in sectionals,” Peters said.
Lekkas said he was surprised.
“I felt really good and kind of surprised when I placed at state. I knew I had a good shot of getting top ten, but nothing was for sure,” Lekkas said.
Although it was Rodriguez’s second year of DECA, he knew he was going to do well as he participated in his written event in Finance Operation Resource.
“It was relieving, but I already knew. It wasn’t a shock. But to make nationals as a sophomore feels unbelievable. It’s once in a lifetime thing; you’d never think of it,” Rodriguez said.
In preparation for nationals, some are reviewing old pre-tests and studying their materials they used for state.
“I’m looking at my materials and studying more to improve,” Rodriguez said.
Others go off their experience.
“I have continued to compete for the last two years, and my experience has helped me improve,” Lekkas said.
Salina’s is excited for Salt Lake and the change of atmosphere.
“I think going to Salt Lake will be fun; something new,” Salinas said.