May 20th, 2016

By Danika Meer, Courtney Baker, and Teresa Schatz

Once again, Mr. Carvalho’s DECA students did an outstanding job throughout the year to qualify themselves to compete at nationals, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee this year. This year, four students qualified to represent Phoenix, including Madelyn Gearhart, Audrey Hazel, Aishwarya Vellanki, and Emi Weiss. Senior Audrey Hazel qualified for nationals three years in a row, along with Maddy Gearhart and Emi Weiss, who both qualified two years in a row. With three veterans competing, the Phoenix DECA team was well prepared for success. Senior Emi Weiss said “It was really cool- we stayed at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville and we got to go downtown and visit Bridgestone arena. [At the competition], Audrey and I did a team event- the best friend dynamic duo,” she joked. Emi and Audrey Hazel qualified in hospitality and tourism-team decision making, Maddy qualified for individual business services marketing, and Aishwarya for individual restaurant management. Aishoo was a finalist in her event, making her rank in the top 20 in the entire world for that event. This was a great accomplishment as she beat out over 160 other participants in her event, comprising the best in the nation. It was a proud moment for Phoenix High School DECA, and we are hoping for more success in the future.  Mr. Carvalho said he was extremely proud of all the members this year and he will greatly miss the seniors who were in DECA the past four years.