The importance of planning and precision cannot be understated when it comes to achieving great success, and Homestead’s prolific DECA chapter understands that, with several students earning medals in various categories at state level. DECA categories are focused in business management and administration, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism, marketing, or personal financial literacy.
Captained by Katherine Wasserman, senior, and advised by Brandn Lindsey, business teacher, the DECA team has four vice presidents, each responsible for a specific job. While William Bai, junior, and Asher McNarney, sophomore, head student development, Sofia Espinosa, senior, dives into financial matters. Matthew Pronovost, junior, is accountable for marketing the team.
Together, these board members work to create opportunities for students to delve into business. “This year we definitely had a strong start for our chapter as we had a new, very motivated, board with fresh ideas. Everyone was really enthusiastic to do more within the club,” Wasserman said.
In addition to their regularly scheduled meetings, DECA hosted an Ice Cream Social, Trick-or-Can, Color A Smile, the Polar Plunge and the Diamond Dash.
“We plan (events) by working with our fellow leaders, advisors, and connecting with state-level student leaders,” Bai explained.
Once students place within the top three at the district level in their category, they advance to state. Homestead had multiple state qualifiers, several of which earned medals in their respective events, including McNarney, Skye Kruse, junior, Bai, and Aurnob Ghose, sophomore. In fact, Bai achieved the designation of state champion in Accounting Applications. Both Ghose and Bai have advanced to internationals, and will fly out to Orlando in April.
“What I enjoy about DECA is the opportunity it provides to meet so many amazing people from across the globe and to delve deeper into the intricacies of the business world. The impact DECA has had on me is profound – it has empowered me to learn so much more about business, communication, and persistence,” Bai said.