The official beginning of DECA (Distributive Clubs of America) was 70 years ago in April 1947. The goal of DECA is to improve education and career opportunities for students interested in careers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Membership includes more than 215,000 students and advisers throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Germany, Spain, China and Guam. There are currently 3,500 high school chapters, 275 collegiate chapters and 5,500 advisers. In addition, alumni and professional memberships exist.
The Concordia Lutheran High School DECA Chapter formed in October 2013. I serve as the adviser in addition to teaching accounting, business management, marketing and directing the career internship program.
Presidents of the CLHS DECA Chapter have included the following:
- Will Jettinghoff (2013-2014)
- Hannah Hobby (2014-2015)
- Ivoryona Dickey (2015-2016, 2016-2017)
One of the prized components of DECA is competing in business related events through written exams — demonstrating business, economic and marketing knowledge as well as role plays — demonstrating articulate communication skills, business and professional knowledge, and ability to role play with a judge. The competition hierarchy begins with the district competition.
Concordia DECA competes in District 3/6 which involves Homestead, Snider, East Noble, Mississenewa, Eastbrook, Huntington North, and North Side. The state competition takes place in Indianapolis each year and was recently held from March 5–7.
Two teams placed in the top 10 of Indiana:
- Nathaniel Witmer and Tyler Else: Sports and Entertainment Marketing
- Emily Lahey and Kyla Macaraig: Travel Tourism Marketing
The final level of competition is the International Career Development Conference. This year’s competition will take place in Anaheim, Calif., and engage roughly 20,000 students and advisers from around the world.
While only qualifying members may take part in the competitive events, the conferences at the state and national level include workshops, academies and networking for students wishing to further their business skills.
So, after reading all of this, if you are intrigued and wondering how you can connect with DECA, here are a few thoughts:
Students: See me, Mrs. Luanne Erdos, to learn more about our DECA chapter at CLHS
Faculty/Staff: Contact me if you are interested in judging at role play competitions (district and state levels) and/or assisting in participating in mock role play practice sessions for competition practice at CLHS
Parents: Contact me if you are interested in serving as a guest speaker in a business class and/or at a DECA chapter meeting
Alumni: Contact me if you are interested in serving as a guest speaker in a business class and/or at a DECA chapter meeting.
In addition, judges are needed for the role-play competitions at both district and state levels. These are a lot of fun and most interesting to see!
Blessings,
Mrs. Luanne Erdos,
DECA Adviser and CLHS Business Teacher
260-203-4575