DECA (Distributive Education Club of America) is an organization designed to teach students the art of marketing and is offered as part of Lisa Barrett’s marketing class.
Barrett has been running DECA for about 13 years.
In marketing class, Barrett teaches ways to advertise community service campaigns around the school, such as making posters for the coat drive.
The objective of the club is community service. Students help raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, collect coats for those in need and collect canned goods that will be made into a basket which will be given to the local food pantry.
Senior Ava Hapkiewicz said her experience in DECA has been going well because she can get experience while doing something good for the community.
“DECA Club helps high school students prepare for future careers in leadership. We are a branch of DECA, and in this club we plan and hold events for the community like coat drives and collecting food,” Hapkiewicz said.
Sophomore Disha Hosamani joined DECA this year because she is taking marketing which opened the door for her to be part of the club.
“DECA is a great organization that allows for students to participate in marketing a variety of donation drives. It is also a great way to get involved in the community and take part in events,” Hosamani explained.
Senior Saad Siddiqui has been a member of DECA since mid-October.
Each year, South Windsor High School’s DECA club earns recognition through the Community Service Campaign. Members document at least one community service activity involving 75% or more of the club, showcasing their commitment to giving back. Marketing skills taught by Barrett play a crucial role, helping students create effective promotions, such as flyers and announcements, to support their initiatives.
While there are competitions, right now Barrett is focusing on bolstering student resumes with community service.
“[last year] the coat drive had over seventy five coats, and our can drive had three full baskets to bring to the rec center, so three families got a Thanksgiving meal donated to them, so that’s so nice; I love stuff like that, ” Barrett said.
The club will do an MS campaign and other community service activities that the students come up with on their own.
“We have DECA Fridays. That is where [students] go on the DECA site and search for things to do,” Barrett explained.
As the club gears up for another successful year, DECA shows how classroom lessons can move outside the walls of a building and create meaningful change.
