Wayzata DECA is a business-centered club with over 290 members. DECA’s goal is to help students put what they learn in school into practice while building soft skills that extend beyond the classroom. By partnering with professionals in the community, members gain real-world business expertise and further develop those essential soft skills. Members have the opportunity to compete at various conferences throughout the year with the end goal being the International Conference that is held at a different U.S. location each year.
In October, first-year Wayzata DECA members participated in the Minnesota DECA Back-to-Business Challenge. Members participated in mock roleplays and tests, competed in fun challenges, networked with other students from around the state, and participated in workshops. Five of our members were awarded medals, gaining top scores in roleplays and tests. This conference allowed new Wayzata DECA members to learn what DECA is all about, gain a feel for DECA competition, and immerse themselves in the full DECA experience. Wayzata DECA Vice President of Competition Sarayu Gundla commented, “It was a new and refreshing experience that really benefited our members.”
Although DECA is known as a business club, members better themselves and the community around them. Every year, Wayzata DECA hosts multiple community volunteering events and requires 100% participation from its members. Recently, Wayzata DECA hosted our annual Trick or Treat for Cans event, where members gathered and donated needed food shelf items to the Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP) food shelf. The result was astounding, having donated 10,100 pounds of items combined with the donations of Wayzata’s Volunteer Club. These items are needed especially around the holidays. Wayzata DECA Vice President of Membership Development Aman Agrawal stated that “it was great to see our DECA members come together to help out the IOCP which in turn supports many students at our school.”
Aside from Trick or Treat for Cans, Wayzata DECA actively participates in several community service projects throughout the school year, including volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, where members help package meals for families in need around the world. Another key event, Winter Walk, focuses on raising money and collecting donations for the IOCP during the holiday season, supporting their mission to provide food, housing, and resources to local families during their busiest time of year.
Wayzata DECA also hosts an annual event called Pose for Hope, a glow yoga event that raises awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This year, the chapter organized a Book Drive to promote literacy and make education more accessible to children in need by collecting books to share with the community. Through these initiatives, Wayzata DECA continues to demonstrate its dedication to leadership, service, and making a lasting positive impact both locally and globally.
Finally, Wayzata DECA is also currently looking for judges to volunteer at its upcoming Districts Competition! Judging is a great way for community members and professionals to support students as they showcase their business, marketing, and leadership skills. No prior DECA experience is necessary as training and materials will be provided. If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up with the link below. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ADA62FA7F94-57434165-202526#/
