Pine Tree High School’s DECA chapter earned top honors at the District 5 Career Development Conference, held on January 9, 2026, in Pittsburg, Texas. Competing against 13 schools, the largest showing the district has seen in recent years, Pine Tree students demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and preparation across a wide range of business and marketing events.
In addition to multiple individual and team achievements, the Pine Tree DECA chapter was recognized with a Community Service Award, highlighting the chapter’s commitment to leadership and service beyond competition.
As a result of their strong performances, the following students qualified to advance to the DECA State Career Development Conference:
State Qualifiers
Accounting Applications Series: Leyton Nguyen
Apparel & Accessories Marketing Series: Bryanna Herrada, McKinley Dunlap
Business Finance Series: Zoey Bowers
Business Services Marketing Series: Elmer Mondragon
Business Law & Ethics Team Decision Making: Sandra Briones, Makenna Griffin
Entrepreneurship Series: Kiley Salser, Nolan Sharp
Financial Consulting Event: Ashlyn Dunn, Stanford O’Quinn
Food Marketing Series: Joseline Torres
Hotel & Lodging Management Series: Ahnylan Whitaker
Human Resources Management Series: Julian Ibarra
Personal Financial Literacy Event: Emily Willadson
Project Management: Community Awareness: Aaliyah Sedberry, Evolet Rodriguez, Maria Rodriguez
Restaurant & Food Service Management Series: Maxwell Crochet
Sports & Entertainment Marketing Series: Clark Medin
Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making: Hailey Alexander, Valeria Arroyo
Pine Tree Entrepreneurship and Accounting Programs
Pine Tree High School’s Entrepreneurship and Accounting programs play a key role in preparing students for success in DECA competition and beyond. Students develop practical skills in financial literacy, budgeting, accounting principles, business planning, and problem-solving through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios. These programs emphasize critical thinking, professionalism, and decision-making, giving students a strong foundation for careers in business, finance, and entrepreneurship as well as postsecondary coursework. These classes are taught by Karen Ritch and Taylor Fogle.
About DECA
DECA is a nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. Through competitive events, leadership development, and real-world business experiences, DECA students apply classroom learning to practical scenarios judged by industry professionals.
Pine Tree ISD is proud of these students for representing their school and community at a high level and looks forward to cheering them on as they continue to state competition.