Ponca City DECA members recently held their first chapter meeting where members got to know each other by participating in activities and sharing facts about themselves with others. Members were encouraged to get to know each other by improving their communication skills.

In addition, 2021-2022 chapter officers were announced. They include Kaylyn Delaney, president; Alexis Hodges, vice-president; Lanie Reynolds, secretary; Hunter Irons, treasurer; and Ryleigh Rowe, reporter. Heather Monks serves as the advisor for Ponca City DECA.

Plans were also made for yearly activities and fundraisers and competitive events were assigned.

DECA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit student organization with more than 200,000 members in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Spain. The United States Congress, the United States department of education and stay, district and International Department of education authorize DECA’s programs.

According to the DECA website, the group has a 75-year history and has impacted the lives of more than 10 million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals since it was founded in 1946.

The program is meant to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management and high schools and colleges all over the world. DECA’s programs and activities are said to provide authentic, experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and careers. The group members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project-based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes. As well, partnerships with businesses at local and broader levels provide members realistic insight into industry and promote meaningful, relevant learning.

To learn more about being a part of DECA at Ponca City High School, contact Heather Monks.