By Sandy Quadros Bowles 

DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a student organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in business, marketing, finance, and hospitality. Holliston High School’s 146 DECA members do this through competitive events, leadership programs, and school-based enterprises.

DECA members not only gain skills for business, but they also participate in community outreach. Here, students make cards for area veterans. Submitted photo.

 HHS DECA members develop and hone skills in a variety of areas, including leadership abilities, successful communication strategies, and innovative ways to present information and think on their feet. The ultimate goal is to succeed at their skills, so that that members can compete at district, state and, if they do well, national level competitions. The districts competition takes place in January in Mansfield, states competition in March in Boston, and the nationals event occurs in April in Atlanta, GA.

Holliston High School DECA president Stephen Lima describes these competitions as prestigious and valuable to students’ futures. College admissions offices “love it’’ when they see students participate in DECA, particular when they reach the highest level of national competitions, Lima said, adding that competitions, particularly at the national level, also serve as a way to meet, network and befriend their counterparts across the country and even internationally.

Lima still keeps in touch with DECA members from throughout the country that he met several years ago at the national competition. “You end up meeting people with a lot of different perspectives,” he said.

Students face off in serious skills competitions at these conventions, said Lima, but there is ample time to wind down and relax. One year, he recalled, thousands of DECA members visited Disneyland together. They also shared laughs and insights while going out to eat or relaxing at the hotel pool. 

Although these experiences are fun and educational, one thing they are not is inexpensive, admitted Lima. Travel, hotel and food costs can add up, and that is one reason the DECA members are reaching out to the community for support. The club encourages the business community and the area at large to consider supporting their fund-raising efforts.

DECA members also appreciate the involvement of their adult advisors, including academic advisor Bob Tivnan, from the school, and from the business community. 

The success of local businessman Mark Freeman’s daughter, Ellie, prompted him to get involved. She reached the national level of competition during the 2021-2022 school year, the first time the program was offered. “With each phase, she got more and more confidence and determination to be better,” he said, “Ellie’s success led to a dramatic increase in members, and it is amazing how quickly it grew.‘’

Freeman enjoys advising a program “where the kids’ hard work pays off and you get to watch kids excel and work hard developing skills that will make them successful in the future. How could anyone say no to being a part of that?” He later added, to those in the business community, “If anyone would like to offer their expertise in marketing, entrepreneurship or any of the categories these students compete in, we would love to take advantage of your expertise.” Those interested can reach out to Mr. Tivnan through the high school. 

The advisors tackle a lot of the administrative tasks that DECA membership and competitions require, said Sanika Javali, one of the club’s vice presidents. They also provide insights into the skills students are developing as well as assistance not listed in any specific job requirement, Javali said. At the national competition, for example, advisors keep an eye on the students to make sure they are well cared for, providing snack bags and making sure everyone has what they need. “They take care of us and need to know where we are,’’ Javali said, adding advisors ask questions any parent would recognize including “‘Have you had enough to eat?’ and ‘Have you had enough water?’”

DECA participants also trade pins, Lima said, noting that Ohio’s was the most sought after because it featured an image of LeBron James, the basketball superstar who is a native of that state.

Although developing skills and reaching higher competition levels are a hallmark of the organization, Javali and Lima stressed that community service is also important. DECA students often create and deliver handmade cards, such as to veterans on Veterans Day, so the recipients know they are remembered and appreciated, Javali said. Club members delivered about 100 cards last Veterans Day, an effort the students take seriously. 

“We use colorful paper to make sure the cards are vibrant,’’ Javali said, “We put in a little bit of effort” to create a personalized greeting. 

This “shows we care about the cause,’’ Lima added.

Javali acknowledged that some students might find the idea of DECA participation a bit intimidating, but she urges anyone interested to try the organization out.

“If you work hard, you can do it,” she said explaining that DECA skill development builds confidence, and “teaches you to work under pressure.”

And while building personal and professional skills, the students in the club also create something intangible: A sense of camaraderie. 

“Our chapter is like a family,’’ Javali said.