CHAPTER BUZZ PINNACLE DECA ARIZONA
MORROW DECA GEORGIA
Pinnacle DECA members participated in a virtual Fall Leadership Experience over two days in November. The first day offered intermediate level workshops on communication and organization, while the second day offered advanced workshops for returning members and an introductory course for new members. Each day closed with interactive virtual games and a social event.
Morrow DECA members volunteered at Books for Africa, a nonprofit organization that strives to end the book famine in Africa. The officer team was happy to find a safe activity that allowed them to make an impact.
After months of pop-up shops, appointment-only shopping and callin ordering, Alma DECA’s school-based enterprise was able to open to the public. With health and safety protocols in place, the chapter has now been able to serve their community in-person. They are also launching an e-commerce site soon!
STEM SCHOOL HIGHLANDS RANCH DECA COLORADO Gitanjali Rao has been selected from a field of more than 5,000 nominees as TIME’s first-ever Kid of the Year! The Vice President of Highlands Ranch DECA, she has used technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying. We can’t wait to see what innovation she takes on next!
SOUTHINGTON DECA CONNECTICUT Southington DECA just launched their SBE online! Led by President of Store Operations, AJ Colwick, chapter members worked together with their business communications class to transform their in-person, food-based store into a virtual retail operation. They have worked hard to navigate all this year’s challenges as they work toward gold certification.
SOMERSET ACADEMY DECA FLORIDA Somerset Academy DECA collected over 2,000 books during their African Library Project Book Drive in October. Chapter members held a drive-through drop off and had over 300 individuals donate. The books will be distributed to two schools in Uganda to build libraries and develop literacy programs.
Niles North DECA members Malav Patel and Steven Reed have created a chemical-free machine that uses UV light to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The entrepreneurial duo was featured on the Chicago WGN News in December and is beginning to secure sales to local schools. The idea and the business began as a class project during Spring 2020 with the assistance of advisor, Mr. Nick Pahl.
Alma DECA
Somerset Academy DECA
NILES WEST DECA ILLINOIS Niles West DECA hosted a drive-thru meet and greet for their 63 new members. New members received Niles West DECA merchandise, candy and a dose of DECA excitement! The officer team looks forward to finding more creative ways to keep members engaged while learning remotely.
Morrow DECA
HOPEDALE DECA MASSACHUSETTS Hopedale DECA members hosted a successful virtual Financial Literacy Fair in December. Led by seniors Natalia Lee, John McDonough and Tyler Small, members learned useful money management skills and interacted with community members as they traveled through different booths on financial decision-making . Students left the fair with a better understanding of financial literacy and how every choice can impact one’s quality of life.
BLUE SPRINGS DECA MISSOURI Blue Springs DECA has opened a brand new SBE complete with apparel, merchandise, food and a new latte machine. The Cat’s Corner students are now learning how to plan menu items and latte recipes, take coffee orders and become baristas. Teachers and in-person students are loving this new addition to help jumpstart their mornings. The chapter is appreciative of their amazing administration for giving them autonomy to learn real-world skills!
Niles West DECA
Hopedale DECA
JANUARY-FEBRUARY | 2021
ALMA DECA ARKANSAS
NILES NORTH DECA ILLINOIS
Blue Springs DECA 29
