Clubs are becoming more popular and colleges like students who are involved in other activities than just school. The Distributive Education Clubs of America, or more commonly known as DECA, is a new club at Cypress Falls that teaches people marketing and business skills through competitive events and competitions.

The club, which is sponsored by Cy Falls teacher Kristy Holder, is new to Cy Falls, but not new nationwide. In the 1930s through the ’40s, cooperative programs in marketing and education were becoming more widely established and students in these classes began to form distributive education clubs such as DECA.

“DECA was officially established in 1946 with a goal to encourage students to explore the art of marketing,” Mrs. Holder said. “Prior to 1946, Distributive Education students found themselves employed in training programs after school.”

The organization’s mission statement says that DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The organization has impacted the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators, and business professionals since it was founded.

“DECA prepares the next generation to be academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders,” Mrs. Holder said. “We promote and encourage members with a drive for marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship that want to compete, be involved, serve our community and meet other Cypress Falls students.”

According to College Vine, a college guidance website, most universities in the U.S. look at what extracurricular activities and clubs a person participated in throughout high school while in the merit scholarship selection process. 

“DECA aims to train students in skills such as communication, leadership, creativity, and teamwork. These skills are incredibly essential in the workforce and demonstrating these skills will set you apart from your competition later in life,” Mrs. Holder said. “Members will stand out in interviews and college admissions, they will have amazing experiences competing, have tons of fun and meet some incredible people.”

The club is trying to make a name for themselves. The club recently swept the deck at District competitions and will advance to the State competition in Fort Worth, Texas in a few weeks. 

“With growth, we plan to hold community events and socials as well in the future. We want Cy Falls DECA to be known,” Mrs. Holder said. “We are looking to see more growth over the next few years in our member attendance and awareness of DECA at Cy Falls.”