Students qualified for the international competition in February during the state competition in Helena. To participate in the trip, each student had to raise more than $1,000 to pay for traveling expenses and registration fees. The Sentinel DECA chapter raised more than $20,000 in sponsorships from Missoula businesses and individuals. Some students were working to raise money up until the week before departure.
“The hardest part of the trip was preparing my project for nationals,” junior Taylar Robbins said.
“This is an incredible experience for the students and is a fantastic reward for their hard work,” Hartman said.
Saturday night the opening ceremonies attracted more than 13,000 students from all over the world. Country music star and national representative for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Billy Gilman, made an appearance followed by up-and-coming country music performer Kelsey.
Early Sunday morning students registered for their events and individual role play competitors took tests covering their specific business subjects.
Sunday evening students attended the DECA fashion show and super dance. The fashion show included designs by Fender and National Fashion Institute designers.
Competitors anticipated results until the next day when finalists were announced at the preliminary awards.
Sentinel senior and chapter president Garrett Browne was an event finalist, meaning he received an award for one of his role plays in the preliminary competition.
“After three years of hard work it came to fruition; it's my biggest accomplishment yet,” Browne said.
It wasn't all work in Orlando. Students visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as the Disney World theme parks. Thursday, May 3, Sentinel traveled to Cocoa Beach to enjoy some fun in the sun and visit the Kennedy Space Center. After what seemed like a long trip home students returned May 5 to cool Missoula weather.
“I'm very proud of my chapter. It was a large rebuilding year for Sentinel DECA and we took the largest group to nationals from Sentinel ever,” Browne said. “I think it made an impact on the community and school.”
From left, juniors Autumn Schwaderer, Michelle Headlee and Lena Haines are suited up in official DECA blazers and ready for competition.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Gaumer, Sentinel business teacher
Lena Haines is a Sentinel junior and assistant editor of the Konah, the student newspaper.
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