Stoughton High School offers many extracurricular clubs and activities, amongst them DECA. Although DECA originally was an acronym for Distributive Education Clubs of America, the organization has grown to encompass much more. According to Ann Ross, DECA’s adviser, many SHS students may not see DECA for what it truly is.
You don’t just learn about business. You also get to take what you learn along the way, like life skills you will need for your future. Ross feels strongly about ensuring students gain the knowledge they need to enter the real world.
“I feel strongly that there are many things we just aren’t teaching anymore, yet you’re expected to know these skills as you head out into the workforce and wonderful world of adulting,” Ross said. “For example, how should you dress for an interview? How do you resolve conflict and problem solve? How do you answer interview questions? These are all things we learn in DECA. […] DECA is life.”
One student who has been greatly impacted by their time in DECA is SHS Class of 2023 graduate Molly Monthie, who joined the program during her freshman year of high school and now helps out during competition season.
“DECA is a business club that gives high school students real-life experiences within the business world. This includes reaching out within your community, opportunities to simulate business interactions and an overall good team-building experience,” Monthie said. “I loved all four of my years in DECA and am so grateful for what Ms. Ross has done as an adviser to help our chapter grow.”
Ross has been involved with DECA since 1993 when she was a collegiate DECA Officer at UW-Stout. As her time and involvement with DECA has increased, she has also noticed how DECA has helped students by assisting them with gaining knowledge that other classes would otherwise not teach.
With the start of a new school year, DECA has achieved some significant accomplishments but has also experienced some setbacks. Senior and current DECA president Tiana Heitmann explains what her experience in the club has been so far and its impact on her.
“DECA has been a bit stressful but fun with our competition. However, we are now done with it, and we will start to plan fun activities and do some fundraising. I’m glad to have joined DECA and been with them for so long. DECA has shown me how important leadership is, and it’s a lot harder than it looks. And I’ve definitely developed a sense of DECA pride,” Heitmann said.
Even with DECA’s hard work and dedication, some challenges came along the way throughout the year. The biggest challenges have been the need for more money and time. Some opportunities within DECA want to accomplish cost money, but even with this, no kid will be turned away because of the lack of money, and there will be many fundraising opportunities to work toward their goals.
“The biggest reward is seeing my kids grow as leaders. Life used to be ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’… Not these days! It’s not what or who you know, it’s about who KNOWS YOU! Personal branding. That’s DECA. Learn what sets you apart from your competition, then hone that,” Ross said