On January 9th, 2026, Pine tree DECA competed at the district career development conference in Pittsburg, Texas. At this event, not only did our fellow pine tree students earn a community service award, but 10 students qualified for the state career development conference. More on that incredible accomplishment later, but first, what is DECA?
DECA is an organization with the goal to prepare students for future careers in business, marketing, finance, and management. It’s a great organization for things like building leadership skills, building a resume, and giving students amazing opportunities for their futures.
“DECA is more than just a school organization, it’s an amazing experience full of fun, experience, and learning” says state qualifier Ahnylan Whitaker. Him, along with students Stanford O’Quinn, Zoey Bowers, Leyton Nguyen, Emily Wiladson, Julian Ibarra, Maxwell Crochet, Bryanna Herrada, Elmer Mondragon, and McKinley Dunlap are Pine Tree’s outstanding state qualifiers.
Both these students and our Pine Tree DECA team sponsor and leader Mrs. Ritch, who also runs the accounting UIL here at Pine Tree high school, will be meeting in Dallas on February 19-21, 2026, for the state career development conference.
We wish our Pine Tree students the best of luck as they continue their journey for not just DECA, but the rest of their lives.
