Members of the SMSU Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) organization went to a State tournament at the Verision Center of Mankato on Feb. 26, competing against other DECA clubs. Yin Keat Lam competed in the culinary division, while Founder of the SMSU DECA branch, Rodney Hoffbeck, competed in a financial competition, finishing second place. Lam and Hoffbeck then competed together in a sales competition, taking first place out of about 500 students. Hoffbeck later moved on to an international competition that took place April 23-26 in Washington D.C.

Collegiate DECA is an organization that students can join to learn about careers and civic responsibility. Members then use the skills they’ve learned in competitions throughout the nation.

“Just being able to compete was an honor and a privilege,” Hoffbeck said.