Installation helps new DECA members get acquainted with their officers.
Photo by Katie Boyer
On September 14, DECA welcomed their new members into the business and marketing society by holding an installation ceremony during lunch to give them a taste of what they’re getting into.
Returning members of this organization greeted new members into DECA, which is “The association for marketing students, formally known as Distributive Educational Clubs of America,” as defined by Senior and DECA President Mitch Mankoff.
DECA member Gaby Landeros said, “DECA is a close group, or even family, that helps you go far in life. DECA teaches you how to be more presentable to future employers, how to create a business plan and prepares you for job interviews. It also gives you the knowledge you need to start your own business in the future. The installment was a cool way to initiate members into DECA, making sure they know exactly what is expected from them.”
Mankoff said, “The installation ceremony was where new and old members got officially ‘installed’ into the marketing association of DECA for the new school year. Whether returning or for the first time, it’s a yearly, nationwide requirement. It’s very important to the association that this takes place.”
The installation happens every year after one joins DECA. To join, all a student has to do is request the class from his/her counselor in the beginning of the year and wait to be initiated at the ceremony. After that is completed, work begins. For more information on how to join DECA, please visit the club information found here.
Business Law, Marketing and DECA Teacher Matt Nicolo said, “The installation as a DECA member is a national requirement and it also allows the students to feel like they’re becoming a part of something special, because they really are. To become a member, they need to understand the rights and privileges they receive by becoming installed. The ceremony demonstrates that.”
Besides introducing themselves, DECA members as well as the officers had to pledge their vows to the association. Mankoff said, “One of the vows we had to pledge was that we would put forth our best effort to help the TJ DECA chapter be at its ultimate finest. We want to represent DECA in a good way at TJ.”
Senior and DECA Vice President Dylan Jennings said, “The installation introduced many members to a real business environment. Officers pledged that they understood fully the honor and responsibility that comes with being an officer and promise to accept and fulfill these responsibilities the best we can. Then members had to pledge to carry out all the duties given with membership and promise to uphold its ideals in personal lives and business activities. It’s a good way to remind everyone the rules and regulations of being in DECA.”
Every year this initiation process takes place so that members and officers are either informed or reminded about what they must uphold in order to maintain their membership in DECA. They’re also told of changes, such as the new logo.
