Future young entrepreneurs at OL use the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) in high school as a key tool to develop professional traits and characteristics for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, as they look to catch the attention of Ocean Lakes students who may not be familiar with their club.
“We are looking for people who are self-motivated, and who are desiring to be a team,” club sponsor Jim Cartwright said. “Meetings, service projects, community events and opportunities to travel are to happen in DECA.”
They had their first after school meeting of the year on Oct. 23, 2025, as they look to coach those who are new to the club.
“Competitions include brainstorming creative solutions to solve problems,” Cartwright said. “Districts include 100+ students, states include 1000+ and internationals include more than 10,000 students from all over the world.”
DECA can not only be found in Ocean Lakes High School but also in 4,252 different high schools with over 294,110 different high school members, according to DECA’s Website.
“Increasing member participation and competitive event participation while reestablishing themselves as an organized club, making students future leaders, are goals that they are looking to achieve this year,” Business executive Gavin Lu said.
According to their website, the worldwide mission is to teach students business concepts in preparation for college and careers.
“DECA has greatly impacted my competitive spirit, organization and my leadership,” Gavin said. “It mostly helped me find my interests in the professional field by partaking in team/individual competitive events.”
