After years of pandemic disruptions, Bellevue East’s Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter is back in full swing. Students are participating in competitions, networking events, and leadership conferences, rebuilding the marketing community at school which was quiet when meetings and role-plays moved online.

“When the pandemic ended we had only one student who ever attended an in-person DECA event,” DECA adviser Dawn Danauskas said.

Since then, the chapter has grown. Danauskas said former students sharing their experiences, videos highlighting DECA events, and alumni speaking to current students helped attract new members. Students now participate in competitions, social events, community service, and running the school store. Danauskas said the goal was to grow the chapter by at least ten percent this year, and that goal has already been reached.

“What kept me in DECA was that all of my friends were in it, and going to competitions and events was really fun,” senior Jaidyn Gaddis said.

At the heart of DECA, it’s not just about competition, it’s about learning to work together. Whether they’re preparing for role-plays, running to the school store, or helping new members get the hang of things, teamwork is what keeps the chapter moving. Chapter president senior Mackenzie Smock said that collaboration has helped her grow as both a student and a competitor.

“Teamwork is super important because it helps every DECA member improve their skills,” Smock said. “Everyone problem-solves differently and by maintaining collaboration among each other we learn new ways of thinking outside the box and that really makes you stand out during competition, it’s something the judges pick up on very quickly.”

Winning and placing in competitions motivated Gaddis to keep going. DECA has also helped her improve her communication skills and confidence.

“When I first started I was terrified,” Gaddis said. “You’re one-on-one with a judge and I didn’t know much about business. But now I feel a lot more confident. My speaking has gotten better, and I’ve learned how to explain things clearly.”

According to Danauskas, DECA teaches skills students will use beyond high school, including leadership, communication, and problem solving. Her students feel supported and like part of a family in DECA.

“Businesses and employers know the value DECA provides for students,” Danauskas said. “Seeing DECA on a resume sets them apart from other applicants.”

Even as in-person events return, technology still plays a role. Students use the Sched app to manage conference schedules, and DECA now offers virtual challenges and competitions. Danauskas stands by the fact that while these tools give students more opportunities, they do not replace the in-person experience that provides students with social growth.

“I’ve never heard a student say they wished they hadn’t joined DECA,” Danauskas said. “But I have heard students say they wished they had.”