Six students from Centennial and East high schools excelled in the annual DECA state conference, which attracted more than 3,000 students to the Broadmoor Hotel for a three-day competition that tested participants' knowledge in a variety of business and marketing endeavors.

From Centennial, seniors Alanna Jackson, Mackenzie Lucas and Victor Isaac-Parker set themselves apart from the field.

Jackson was crowned state champion in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism. She was tested in a live role-play event on the concepts associated with careers in that industry.

Lucas qualified for the national DECA competition in Retail Merchandising, which challenged students in a live role-play format.

Also qualifying for nationals was Isaac-Parker, who also will attend the DECA Leadership Academy, as will senior Taylor Shellenberger.

From East, senior Holly Trujillo was crowned state champion, and is a national qualifier, in Financial Consulting. Trujillo assumed the role of a financial consultant, assisting a client in establishing a monthly budget and savings plan.

East junior Caitlin Johnston finished second in her event and will compete at nationals in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling. At state, she assumed the role of a sales manager for a convention center. Johnson also was elected DECA District 9 state vice president for the upcoming school year.

Sam Miller, also a junior, is a national qualifier in entrepreneurship. Miller was required to recognize opportunities and to act on them, determine needs, identify markets, utilize marketing research and secure capital.

Also from East, seniors Tori Pacheco and Alexia Valdez qualified for nationals, advancing to the DECA Leadership Academy.

The DECA program sponsors are Joe Petrick (Centennial) and Jacqueline Armenta (East.)