South Kitsap High School DECA had 12 students qualify for the state championship this year at the Area 7 competition in January.

This is a big accomplishment as only one or two students have qualified in past years.

“This is the most I had qualify for state and the most we have had in 10 years,” said Sean Duttry, who has been the high school’s marketing and DECA teacher for more than two years. “The DECA group this year is really focused on preparation for the events they have chosen to participate in. Attending the national DECA leadership conferences and traveling on overnight trips has really brought the DECA chapter together.

Students who will be competing at the state championship are Talia Fazio, Oriana Ruscigno, Arian Boehs, Kylee Weatherill, Nick Matheson, Alec Johnson, Maria Rettalick, Stephanie Schippel, Aiyana Stringer, Kendlyn Bone and Devyn Darcy.

The state championships are March 5-7 in Bellevue.

Students who finish in the top five at the state championship will qualify for a trip to the national championship in April in Orlando, Fla.

“Many of my students have what it takes to place at the DECA state championship and compete at the international conference finals,” Duttry said.