Established in 1946, DECA is a worldwide organization that provides key skills to individuals to prepare them for the business world. Over the past 60 years, they have had a major influence on over 10 million students, teachers and business administrators. This organization allows one to develop skills with respect to public speaking and the ability to think quickly and formulate effective presentations. St. Robert has been fortunate to have this well-known organization established here.
In September, an intense application process was initiated, which included an interview and a written assignment, out of which 127 dedicated students were selected. DECA’s ultimate goal is to prepare young entrepreneurs and leaders for the real world. The club presents its members with four main clusters to choose from – marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Once they choose the specific topic within the cluster, they expand their knowledge of that topic for regionals and provincials. Through competition, DECA members learn effective time management and interpretation skills.
These members’ hard work and dedication have truly paid off, making St. Robert extremely proud. Congratulations to those who have achieved top ten at regionals and good luck to those participating in the 2015 provincials. Although DECA is not currently open to new members, the Parliamentary Debate Club is similar – also run by DECA’s president, Jennifer X. (12) – a club where one can train to achieve the same fast thinking and public speaking skills.
Photos taken by Nancy Zhao