DECA members prepare for competitions during COVID

DECA advisers Mike Hansel and Julie Cuvelier, two business teachers, are working together with students to make DECA happen.

DECA (Distributive Business Clubs of America) is all about preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA gathers kids in high schools and colleges around the globe. “It’s a life changing experience as well as a great opportunity to really discover yourself,” Cuvelier said.

However, the coronavirus is playing a major role in DECA this year. Traveling to State or Nationals does not seem like it is going to happen. Last Spring students were able to travel to Des Moines over the weekend. Seven students led by Mr. Hansel got the full DECA experience: Kimi Du, Hunter Peterson, Jack Plagge, Galen O’Brien-Carlstein, Joey Kliewer, Zayn Abbas and TJ Tomlyanovich. 

“It was a really educational experience and worth it. It’s upsetting that we won’t travel, but I’m ready to do DECA again,” Kliewer said. More and more events will be hosted via Zoom as educators, business leaders and other higher ups want to give students exposure to the real world.

This is Hansel’s second year leading the DECA team.“Many students are asking about virtual Nationals, competitions and meetings, and I’m excited as well as nervous to navigate through the online process this year,” Hansel said. 

DECA is organized into two unique student divisions, each with programs designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members. 

DECA’s four main core values are competence, innovation, integrity and teamwork. The High School Division includes 220,000 members in 3,700 schools. The Collegiate Division includes over 5,000 members in 215 colleges and universities. Each year DECA has a new theme to focus on. This year the theme is NEXT LEVEL.

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