The Distributive Education Clubs Of America, or most commonly known at TJ as DECA, is a program that according to DECA’s website, “Prepares emerging leaders an entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.”
DECA continues its tradition of excellence at Thomas Jefferson. Photo by Matt Nicolo
This year the DECA Program has expanded its enrollment adding a total of 95 new members, which is up from last year when it was only 78. With such a big increase of students joining this year, Business Teacher Matt Nicolo has announced that not every one will be able to go to the Districts Competition.
Districts are the first level of Role-play. “A situation or scenario that you have to give your opinion on, that if a company or business should Continue or proceed with something they want to do,” is how Senior Corey Hernandez Traveling Officer describes the event. Since there is such a large increase in the program, students will engage in a competition amongst themselves her at TJ to see who will proceed to districts.
Members will study and have the chance to role-play amongst themselves to prepare for this big upcoming event. Nicolo also provides study nights for DECA members to come together in a room after school a role-play to get ready for districts. Members will always know what’s going on, thanks to chapter meetings where all Deca members come together an are informed of all new up and coming events. “Its really helpful to know what’s gong on all the time so it would be wise not to miss a chapter meeting or you might get lost,” said Corey Hernandez
A recent event that DECA had on September 28 was Instillation on Members took their pledge and where officially installed into the DECA family, Instillation, is basically when DECA installs, all its new members. “It’s the official initiation of all of the new members,” said Ale Alas an Officer of DECA.
President of DECA Daja Trotman describes her favorite part about instillation is seeing everyone’s new faces an how DECA is expanding.” Instillation is when you meet your new Deca family; it’s a really good time and our DECA Family is always welcoming to new members,” she said.
Along with Districts, DECA also participates in an “Adopt a family.” A fundraising event for the holidays. Every DECA member has the opportunity to “adopt” a family and gather gifts to give to give to that family.
It’s a really fun experience; you’re not only giving to your community but you also come together as a DECA Family,” said Hernandez.
One unique Spartan President of Deca Daja Trotman said, “At the end we all get together an have a wrapping party to wrap the gifts.”
Nicolo says he is ready an excited for this year of DECA.“I’m always pumped up for a new year of DECA and all of the new faces. I have faith in my core group of DECA members who are strong, and veterans who have been with me for three years. Good luck to all those who want to go to districts!” he said.
“No matter how many people make it to districts, I have faith in my Deca Family and know that we will do great things this year!” says Corey Hernandez. The DECA Members have grown strong in numbers an are determined not to disappoint.
