On January 10th, Sierra Vista High School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) members participated in the State Career Development Conference. This event took place at the Alexis Park Resort on the Las Vegas Strip and lasted three days. The theme of the conference was, ‘Dare to be Rare.’ During the meeting, students competed to market, to create solutions, to make deals with other students, and more. Out of DECA’s nearly 60 members, 37 students attended the conference.
Students from across Nevada competed against one another to earn a spot to compete nationally. In DECA, students have five categories to choose from that impact their activity during conferences. The categories include Finance, Business Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Hospitality and Tourism.
On the first day, the conference began with debriefs and advisor meetings. From 11 AM to 12:45 PM, the meeting was in its opening session. Following that, from 1:30 PM to 6 PM, students participated against other students in competitive events and workshops. Workshops provided students with the opportunity to network and participate in many activities that would benefit various business skills, while competitive events helped students showcase their abilities. After that, students would take part in interviews and testing. The second day consisted of competitive events, leadership workshops, candidate and exhibitor booths, business meetings, and a scavenger hunt. To reward students with prizes, the conference hosted a talent show called ‘Vista’s Got Talent’, which included acts of singing and dancing. In this, participation was optional. For those who chose to showcase their talents, student placement was analyzed, with the first place winner earning a $500 gift card and a slot for their chapter at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), a nation wide conference located in Orlando, Florida. This means the winner’s school collects a spot for an all expenses paid trip to the international conference. Multiple SVHS students took part in the show, but sadly, none of Vista’s students won and the prizes went to other talented acts.
To wrap up the final day, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, grand awards were given out to the participants. Half of Vista’s attendees won awards for their topics, such as Gabriel Sabasino, who won a second place award in Principles in Business Management and Administration and earned a place for ICDC. Others include Matthew Chen and Jason Hang, who both won two medals, and Sidney Lumsdaine, who won third place in a role-play.
One of DECA’s advisors, Jason Christensen, when asked about the motivation behind DECA and the events they take part in, asserted that the purpose of DECA was “To grow as a leader and multiple things such as management, finance, entrepreneurship, hospitality.”
To prepare for the occasion, students received a multiple choice exam on industry topics, which correlated to the at the time, upcoming meeting. DECA members refined their presentation and public speaking skills with teacher feedback, and would involve themselves in rehearsals and mock conferences. On top of that, students would perform case study role-plays, acting out what they might do during the seminar. Students would also maintain professionalism with etiquette and formal, business attire.
Jane Christensen, DECA’s other advisor, mentioned that her favorite part of the conferences was “The excitement of hearing names called, celebrating achievements, and sharing proud moments with teammates.”
To join DECA, students must attend the interest meetings at the start of the school year and must pay a certain fee by the deadline for membership. For students thinking about joining DECA and participating in conferences like these, advisors say to not feel intimidated by doing something new, to expect and persevere through challenges, and to make the most of your opportunities. DECA is about making connections with others, growing skills, and having fun, not just competing.
