Empowering Future Leaders Through DECA

Written by Katie Helzer, Raymore-Peculiar Ninth Grade Center Freshman
Initially published in “P.O.V. Publish Our Voices,” a student-run magazine showcasing the perspectives of young writers.

“DECA provides students with real-world skills needed for any career they might pursue. It also pushes students outside their comfort zones and increases their public speaking skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall task completion and professionalism,” Peres said.

DECA provides students with experiences in business and marketing while allowing students to work together and take on leadership roles.

Senior Mariah Rutler has seen significant growth in her skills since joining DECA in her sophomore year.

Before joining I was terrible at presenting and always super nervous. I wanted to grow in that area so I decided to join.

Mariah Rutler, Blue Valley High School Senior

With consistent commitment, Rutler is now the Kansas DECA Eastern Region Vice President and the Blue Valley business president. Through these positions, she was able to attend the Empower Leader Summit where DECA students across the nation meet together and learn leadership skills. In the past three years, Rutler has had a phenomenal time with DECA. Not only has she developed life-long skills but she has also formed lasting friendships.

DECA has become an amazing way to connect with people in my community and across the nation. Honestly, when I think of DECA I think about all the memories I have with my friends.

While Rutler has had many rewarding accomplishments, including countless podium placements in regional and state competitions, she believes DECA has given her one thing that tops all of her achievements.

“The best achievement I have received from DECA is the ability to present and speak to other people without feeling terrified,” Rutler said.

The impact of DECA extends past the high school level into the collegiate level. Recent Blue Valley High graduate, Charlotte Warren, is now thriving at Purdue University and is exemplifying the impact of DECA in her business studies.

DECA is the main reason that I am studying business. It allowed me to explore different careers under the umbrella of business and discover what I am truly passionate about and enjoy doing.”

Charlotte Warren, Blue Valley High School Alumni

While Warren filled out applications for colleges and was asked why she was choosing a business major, she talked about her positive experience with DECA and how it was extremely helpful.

To maintain success in college Warren’s has used many of her acquired skills as leverage.

“Being able to act in a professional manner is definitely something I’ve used in college. Also, the foundational business knowledge required to compete in the different events that I did has carried over into some of my coursework in college,” Warren explained.

Warren also expressed how many other Purdue business majors were in DECA. However she believes her strong passion for DECA distinguishes her from other students.

DECA is an experience that will help me secure internships throughout college by talking about my experiences, successes, and skills I learned with problem-solving and business scenarios

Overall, the lasting impact DECA makes on students extends beyond the program and paves the path for students’ future. It is seen through current Blue Valley High senior Mariah Rutler to Blue Valley High graduate Charlotte Warren at Purdue’s School of Business. Each of them are now equipped with skills they learned in DECA forever.