This week, two JPII teams head to state-level competitions, representing the school with excellence, focus, and school pride. A team of six Chess players will travel to Everett on Friday and Saturday to compete in the State Chess Tournament, where they will seek to defend their title as two-time defending state champions. At the same time, seven JPII students will represent the school at Washington DECA SCDC in Bellevue from February 26–28, competing alongside peers from across the state.
As a founding member of the Chess Club, JPII senior Caleb Abbott reflected on the team’s growth and resilience over the years. “Since I joined as a founding member of the chess club my freshman year, we’ve always had a strong team,” he shared. Although the team performed well early on, they did not yet have enough players to advance to state in their first year. In the seasons that followed, perseverance led to back-to-back state championships.
Caleb also recalled the challenges of the team’s first state title run, which included unexpected travel delays and long competition days. “We got caught in a closed freeway Friday night and made it back to Lacey at 2AM, only to be back at school shortly after 7AM for a full day of games,” he said.
Despite the exhaustion, the team stayed focused and captured JPII’s first state chess title. “It was all worth it,” he added. “We’re looking forward to another year of success and are ready for whatever challenges come our way.”
Meanwhile, JPII’s DECA competitors will analyze case studies, tackle high-pressure role-plays, present business plans, and complete industry exams. As advisor Mrs. Laura Dietz explains, “At the State conference our competitors will step into the role of business leaders,” applying their knowledge in marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and management. Senior Linh Nguyen described how DECA has shaped her skills this year: “The biggest difference about DECA this year is how the competition works. I personally gained a lot of on-the-spot and impromptu skills thanks to my event this year.” She also noted the value of independent learning, adding that she gained “business knowledge like teamwork ethics that I can apply during my leadership roles in school.”
Looking ahead to state, Linh shared, “I’m looking to first and foremost experience and have fun while competing with my teammate. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and doing a little networking. Overall, I’m excited to add something meaningful to my high school journey.” The JPII community is proud of both teams and wishes them the very best as they represent the school at the state level this week.
