On November 11th, Hidden Valley DECA took over 100 students to the DLC conference to compete at Roanoke college. Hidden Valley has one of the largest DECA programs in southwest Virginia. With a great number of amazing students, Hidden Valley had the most placements of all the competition at DLC, and a select few people will now move on to compete at Virginia Beach for DLC.
Although DECA is a competitive environment, and placement is the priority, Hidden Valley has been able to build its program by bringing as many students as possible to the conferences. This creates a great social environment for students looking to join clubs, helps students with college resumes, and gives many students a base understanding for business.
One of the primary benefits of DECA is its ability to prepare students for the future. Through hands-on experiences, like role playing business scenarios, managing projects, and presenting innovative ideas, DECA helps students develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership. These activities simulate real-world business challenges, allowing members to gain a deeper understanding of industries like marketing and finance. Noah Womeldorf (10) says “Before joining DECA, I didn’t know much about professional communication, through competitions I have learned a lot.”
Additionally, DECA helps students build meaningful connections. By attending conferences and competitions, members interact with like-minded peers from other schools, as well as professionals who serve as judges. Riley James (11) says “Although I did not place in my first competition, I learned how to stay calm in the intense environment.”
DECA’s impact at Hidden Valley Highschool is undeniable. It provides students with the tools and experiences needed to succeed in the competitive world, while fostering personal growth and leadership.
