THEY ARE HEADED TO ORLANDO! 

From March 6-9, San Pasqual High School (SPHS) DECA members traveled to Anaheim, California to compete at the annual California DECA Career Development Conference (CDC). Over 2,000 students from across the state gathered to test their skills in competitive events, leadership activities, and advocacy efforts. SPHS DECA members proudly represented their chapter, achieving historic milestones and making a strong impression on the statewide stage. 

Throughout the conference, members participated in a range of activities including role-play events, rigorous 100-question industry exams, leadership workshops, networking sessions, and chapter program presentations. SPHS students showcased not only their knowledge and preparation but also their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.

One of the standout achievements came from Juan Garcia, who made history for both Escondido and SPHS DECA. Competing in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Juan scored an impressive 79 on the Hospitality and Tourism Cluster Exam and earned back-to-back 89s on both Role Play A and Role Play B. His outstanding performance earned him 3rd Place Overall, making him the first student in Escondido history to win "glass" (the nickname for DECA’s prestigious crystal trophies) at the state level — and the first ever from SPHS DECA to bring home glass in Quick Serve Restaurant Management.

Jacob Whitney also delivered an incredible performance in Hotel & Lodging Management. With a strong 84 on the Hospitality and Tourism Cluster Exam, a 93 on Interview A, and a 91 on Interview B, Jacob finished 5th Place Overall. Additionally, Jacob placed in the Top 10 for both the Protégé DECA Knowledge Exam and the Emerging Leader Exam, highlighting his broad expertise and leadership growth across multiple areas.

Beyond competition, SPHS DECA members contributed to the conference through significant chapter work. Rachel Hodgson and Diana Alzina Gomez worked diligently to write, compile, and submit SPHS DECA’s 60-page Chapter Awards Program — a major project that detailed the chapter’s yearlong initiatives, community service, leadership activities, and business partnerships. Their hard work helped elevate SPHS DECA’s visibility at the state level.

Additionally, Alejandro Alzina Gomez (Vice President of Leadership), Lena Devine (Vice President), and Olivia G. (President) proudly represented the SPHS DECA Executive Team at CDC. Through leadership meetings, officer workshops, and chapter advocacy efforts, they helped position SPHS DECA for even greater success in the future.

Overall, the 2025 California Career Development Conference was a major success for SPHS DECA. Students returned home with new skills, unforgettable experiences, and a sense of pride knowing they made chapter history. As SPHS DECA continues to grow, their achievements at CDC will serve as a powerful reminder of what hard work, dedication, and leadership can accomplish.