Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) kicked off the school year with an annual introductory meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The career and technical student organization aims to serve and prepare high schoolers with an interest in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, providing opportunities for members to develop essential leadership, networking, and collaboration skills.

The team of officers and chapter advisor, Mr. Jeffery Siler, prepared an engaging presentation complete with general information, competition opportunities, and upcoming events to gauge hopeful members’ interest. This year, prospective members will need to fill out an online registration form, join their mailing list, and turn in $50 club dues to Mr. Siler.

“I’ve been in DECA for three years now, and I joined my sophomore year,” Chapter Historian Grace Chen ‘20 said. “I did a Principles Event, and I really loved how I got to work in a real world experience, interviewing people, and talking to judges.”

The Warrior DECA community is among one of the largest clubs in Westwood, setting several records in competition for the 2018-2019 school year, which include first place recognition in both district and state levels, as well as first at The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) from Texas.

“Our DECA is really huge, and although it does get hard to get to know everybody personally, I’ve met so many people I would have never met outside of DECA. I’ve made so many friends,” Chen said.

The next DECA meeting will be on Sep. 18. For more chapter information, visit the Warrior DECA website.