By Anna Skinner
Many students at Westfield High School spend their time participating in different types of clubs to use as filler on their college resumes. However, there is no club quite like DECA.
DECA is a business oriented club where students can participate in different business categories. Some students even have the opportunity to compete real-life scenarios related to their category in front of judges.
Westfield seniors Noah Roush, Steven Johnson, Nathan Adams and Alex Schulke all performed their DECA scenarios at the state competition in downtown Indianapolis. Except these four seniors did more than just present at state.
Adams, who is a first-year DECA member, competed in the Business Finance category. He placed first, an amazing feat for a first-year participant, and even went to Internationals in California.
This WHS club has helped many students by providing them with real-life experience. Thanks to DECA, many students have enhanced their business knowledge and hope to pursue their love of business in college. Adams said his involvement helped him decide to major in finance at Indiana University.
“DECA competitions allow you to view some real life situations and get a better understanding of what goes on in the business world,” he said.
Schulke, another solo performer, also placed first in his category at state. Instead of finance, he participated in accounting applications. To win the top prize, he had to take a 100 question test and demonstrate two role plays in front of judges. Because of DECA, Schulke is double majoring in accounting and finance at IU’s Kelley School of Business.
Unlike their peers, Johnson and Roush competed as a team in marketing communications. The two are experienced DECA members and competed last year. This year, they placed third at district, first at state, and then traveled to Internationals where they unfortunately did not place.
Roush is a direct admit to IU’s Kelley School of Business and Johnson plans on going to law school. Although Johnson is not majoring in business, he explains how DECA has helped him prepare for college.
“The biggest thing with DECA is communication,” he said. “It has helped with networking, presenting myself, and thinking quick on my feet. Making an impression with only 30 minutes of prep time is great practice for any sort of presentation.”
