DECA

What is DECA?

“DECA is a business club and it focuses on finance, hospitality, and business,” said Emma Wesley (12), a member of DECA. Members of DECA speak and make presentations at different competitions. “It’s very similar to FCCLA and HOSA, but it’s more geared toward marketing and business,” said Wesley.

What does DECA do?

The main focus of DECA is to prepare for the competitions that take place during the school year. First is a regional competition in which members can compete individually or as a team. Based on the scores that each individual or team receives, they may be able to compete on the state level. If members who are on the state level finish in the top 5, they can then move onto the National DECA conference. This year DECA is also working to have more community outreach. “This year we’re really trying to focus on doing more things in the community as a club,” said Wesley.

How does DECA help prepare students for the future?

DECA gives a good taste of business to any students who are wanting to go into business after high school. According to Wesley, she was unsure of what business major she wanted to do when she was a freshman. However, through DECA she learned what she enjoyed doing the most. “For me, it’s really helped me narrow down what I want to do,” said Wesley. Also, students gain skills in public speaking and being able to hold themselves professionally. Being professional, especially when looking for jobs, is very important in the workforce because everyone needs to look impressive in front of employers in order to receive or maintain a good job. DECA gives students good experience in practicing professionalism and prepares them for employment.