As some of you may know, DECA is a business club. It focuses on preparing students to become leaders, and connect what they learn in school to the real world. The club is centered around marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and management. Throughout the year, members prepare for competition that starts in January. 

At the start of each year, our DECA district hosts a “Fall Rally” at Marriott Ranch in Hume, Virginia. Over five schools come together, and this kicks off the year. DECA officers and new members get officially inducted. After they are inducted, students get to enjoy food and drinks, play games, and go on a hayride. Volleyball, corn hole, and shuffleboard were a few of the games offered. The hayride is roughly 20 minutes long, and takes riders through some beautiful mountains and hills. Marriott Ranch is located right in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making for some incredible views. 

This year, Kettle Run’s DECA club has grown. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and school shutting down in 2020, the club fell off in popularity. Last school year, the club started working to gain more members. This year, that growth can really be seen. A majority of members are new. Ms. Olinger, Kettle Run’s DECA advisor, hopes this year will lay a foundation that the chapter can build upon for years to come. 

Executive Vice President Kaley Frazier has high hopes for this year, saying, “I thought the field trip was really fun and we made a lot of memories. I think this year we will definitely have a lot more people competing than did in years past. We have a lot more members that want to be really involved with the club and competing. I think we will do well in competitions and will have more people at the State Leadership Conference this year.”

For a little background information, DECA competitions consist of a real-life scenario, and a multiple choice test. You take the test about a month before the actual competition. The test factors into your score, but the roleplay scenario is worth more. The actual competition day is when you do the roleplay. You are given a prompt of a business scenario related to your category, and ten minutes to take notes. When your time is up, you are seated one on one with a judge, and you begin the roleplay. Interacting well with the judge is critical for your overall success. 

DECA is still accepting members, as competition is still a little ways away. Currently, Kettle Run’s chapter is planning for a joint New York City trip with Liberty High School’s DECA chapter. This will be a one day trip on November 11, 2022. The group will be visiting spots like the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Memorial. More information regarding that trip will be coming. 

Following the Fall Rally, first-year member Santiago Chavarria said, “I think that DECA will be a club that will give me good experiences and teach me a lot about business.” Many new members are excited and are looking forward to getting involved. Overall, Kettle run DECA is ready to have a fun-filled year!