Passion drives success. Recently, you may have seen black T-shirts among the CHS community displaying the phrase “Beat it” in vibrantly colored print. These shirts reflect the efforts of DECA, a CHS club that focuses on the development of future leaders in marketing and management.

Students participating in DECA attend many workshops, social events and competitions throughout the year that provide them with the opportunity to develop the poise, leadership and social skills necessary in the business world.

“When the students participate in the chapter projects, they have to work with businesses, not for profit organizations and leaders in the community to have successful projects,” DECA sponsor Marci Boland said. “These encounters teach the kids leadership and how to conduct themselves in business situations.”

Likewise, these events also provide a chance for students to turn the knowledge they have learned in the classroom into skills acquired from experience.

“I joined DECA because I wanted to take place in the marketing based competitions that they offer every year,” senior Carter Ellston said. “I feel that it is a rewarding experience and gives you the opportunity to apply the things you learn in marketing class to real life scenarios during the competition.”

Boland thinks DECA is an important part of CHS because it provides students with an opportunity to get involved in something that they are truly passionate about.

“DECA is really fun,” Boland said. “Students can go on the New York trip, they can attend the district or fall leadership conference and they can compete in the district, state and hopefully international competitions.”

This year’s annual New York trip will be Nov. 13-17. During the trip, students attend seminars with businesses such as Tommy Hilfiger and Sport Illustrated. Students also visit different industries and talk with people about what they do, how they got into the field and the kinds of jobs presented in particular businesses.

“It is a five-day trip jam packed with learning and exploring,” Boland said.

Tourism is no exceptions to the things students learn as they also find time to tour the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty as well as attend sporting events and the viewing of a Broadway show.

“I am expecting to discover things about the business world and uncover ways to succeed,” sophomore Dylan Brown said about what she hopes to gain from this year’s experience. “Also, I am looking forward to the conventions and everything that comes with it.”

Students join DECA looking for an opportunity to grow and explore directions that are undiscovered.

“I feel that it is a rewarding experience and gives you the opportunity to apply the things you learn in marketing class to real life scenarios during competitions,” Ellston said. “It is also fun meeting other DECA members from around the area and, if you make it far enough, around the globe.”

Like all of the clubs offered at CHS, DECA presents a warm welcome to all who are interested in participating—whether you are aiming for internationals or just wanting to provide a helping hand.

“Mrs. Boland is an amazing sponsor and she makes the club really great,“ senior Phoebe Raileanu said. “DECA gives everyone the opportunity to be something great!”