The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) has been helping students in Fair Grove advance and excel into the future for many years.
In Fair Grove, the FBLA club sponsor is Cayse Overstreet and she has been for the past 11 years. Jalen Supancic is currently the DECA sponsor. She ensures that the kids can achieve their goals of success through competitions, workshops, and business tours, giving them hands-on experience. Students who participate attain business traits like teamwork, leadership, and event planning skills which are obtained in the many community service events hosted by FBLA and DECA.
FBLA and DECA can help students with social skills. “I would say that it prepares me to work with others to complete a common goal. This is something that I think a lot of people need help with, and FBLA/DECA helps in many areas,” said Haylee Potter (10).
In the club, President Atticus Brandes (11) and Vice President Addyson Nunley (10) are important due their excellent leader skills and all rounder abilities to plan and develop ideas for the club. “I love being the president of FBLA/DECA. It allows me to connect with students I may not normally reach out to and it helps me develop better leadership skills,” said Brandes.
FBLA and DECA is a great thing to have on your college application if you plan on going into businessing. FBLA focuses on base knowledge and proficiency in business topics. DECA is more focused on the marketing facet of business. Both organizations help prepare students to become emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in business, marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
“I would say that it prepares me to work with others to complete a common goal. This is something that I think a lot of people need help with, and FBLA/DECA helps in many areas,” says Potter.
This year, FBLA Nationals are in Orlando, Florida and DECA Internationals are in Anaheim, California. Students will either take tests that test their content knowledge of a specific area or compete in speech and/or project-based events, giving students the opportunity to see what career fields may or may not interest them. It also gives them professional experience that they can put on a resume and talk about in an interview.
With school coming to an end in a little more than 3 months it’s not too late to decide whether or not you’d be interested in building a career early. “Just show up! Our club meets on the first Thursday of every month,” says Overstreet.
“FBLA is a club that does not require you to compete, but it still teaches you about the business world in general. It pertains to all audiences,” said Brandes.
