High school club provides continued support for future business leaders
A business education teacher at Parrish Community High School has brought back a program that hasn’t been in Manatee County for years.
Brandon Mefford transitioned FBLA, Future Business Leaders, into DECA, a student organization preparing high school leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
“(FBLA) Competitions consisted mostly of just testing,” Mr. Mefford told a reporter from the PCHS Bulletin, a student journalism program. “Parrish kids will thrive on presentations and many DECA events focus on that.”
For example, a recent field trip to Raymond James Stadium gave Bulls’ DECA members a feel for sports marketing at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The school district’s Adult, Career and Technical Education (ACT) department provided funds for the bus to get them there.
Students learned about marketing for an NFL franchise - and took a behind-the-scenes tour from the locker room to the famous pirate ship that “Fires the Cannons” after a Bucs touchdown.
DECA offers scholarships to those who wish to continue their passions in marketing and business careers.
Mr. Mefford said he looks forward to helping students increase their community service hours and travel to competitions for years to come, so members can continue to build their future by networking and making connections across the nation.