“Each day I was in DECA, I was progressively learning and being academically challenged. This program provided me with a multitude of avenues offering new opportunities, business mentors, and career and life skills. The culture, global network, and potential this organization allowed me to gain is second to none and any student a part of DECA is already three steps ahead.”

“In high school, I came to work at Ben Bridge while simultaneously being a DECA participant at Cleveland High School in 1978. This last October, I celebrated my 40th anniversary with the company. It is the only company I’ve ever worked for.”

“DECA has provided me value that I will carry and apply throughout my life. It is the niche I call home and I am excited to see the skills I have learned transfer to real-life careers, roles, and education opportunities. Thank you, DECA.”

George Washington once said, “A people who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost anything.” President Washington would have LOVED DECA because this is what we do every day.

Washington was famously first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen. But, as President he was our first leader. His success in business makes him first entrepreneur. Our passion in Washington DECA is to live up to our state’s namesake and be first in the world in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Growing up in Tennessee I had dreams. Once I joined DECA I gained the skills, plan and global network to make them real. Now I get to live those dreams in my new home in Washington helping the world’s greatest leaders and entrepreneurs live theirs.

Is teaching today difficult? Yes! DECA brings my teaching to life. It gives students purpose and meaning to what is being taught, and it makes my curriculum more relevant and powerful. I credit my success in the classroom to DECA and I couldn’t imagine my classroom without it!