2026 Cashmere DECA Preview: Can a new advisor bring newfound success?

As the school year begins to ramp up, the DECA season continues to draw closer. Cashmere DECA is undergoing some changes between the 2025 and 2026 seasons. As the club seeks to attract more members, CHS DECA will also have a new advisor this year, following the departure of last year’s advisor, Matthew Pakinas. This could make a great program even better. CHS DECA seek lots of success, as well as attendance at state and maybe even nationals, for some hardworking CHS DECA competitors. Nationals will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, this year, April 25-28. 

While the DECA advisor will play a huge part in the club’s success and overall experience, students are a vital part of that as well. Sophomore Cooper Hauck says, “The one thing we could improve on is the overall size of our DECA. last year we only had like 30 kids”. Cooper also stated that he feels a lot more people should join, which, in turn, he believes will make it more fun for everyone. Sophomore Spencer Sousley has also made a push to try and get people to join DECA. He says, “You should join DECA because you get to make great memories, meet lots of new people, it looks really good on your resume, and if you get far enough, you can get scholarships because of it.”

The big story heading into the 2026 DECA season will be Brandon Eygabroad, the new DECA advisor. It is not only his first year as a DECA advisor but also his first year as a CHS teacher, and the pressure will definitely be there, as there is an expectation for success at Cashmere. When asked if he feels prepared, he said, “Yes. While I know there’s always more to learn, I feel ready and excited to guide our club moving forward.” He went on to say he plans to collaborate with other DECA advisors to give his students the best possible experience. 

Although this is Mr. Eygabroad’s first year being a part of DECA, he credits his experience teaching and coaching sports as things that will help him build DECA even greater. “Those roles have helped me learn how to build teamwork, leadership, and accountability. All skills I plan to bring into leading DECA at Cashmere.”