Parrish Community transitions from FBLA to DECA

GABRIELLE REDINGER – PCHS Bulletin

In previous years, Parrish Community has participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) a national club helping students prepare for careers in the future. At the start of the school year, advisors Brandon Mefford and Courtney Metzger made the transition to the Distributer Education Clubs of America (DECA). DECA is a career-orientated and technical student organization, similar to FBLA. Mefford encouraged the change to DECA due to its more hands-on approach and the increased benefits for the students. 

Mefford thought a more competitive and hands-on club would help the students challenge themselves and their future. “Competitions consisted mostly of just testing. We spend so much time teaching you how to think on your feet, getting creative, thinking outside the box, and then presenting. Most FBLA events were just testing events. Parrish kids will thrive on presentations and many DECA events focus on that,” Mefford said. 

Participating in DECA can get you more than the friendships and connections you make along the way. Every year, DECA offers scholarships to those who wish to continue their passion in marketing, business, and entrepreneurship. Mefford and the leaders of DECA are already planning on how to make Parrish Community’s DECA even better than FBLA.

“This year we have good leaders that will allow our members to do community service, go on behind the scenes field trips, and the competitions will allow people to travel and network with students from all over the state of Florida and the nation,” he said.
 Students were timid in joining DECA this year due to it being the first year, but many FBLA alumni stayed and helped start DECA up with Mefford. Mefford hopes that students will continue to participate in DECA and enjoy it.

“Once we are up and running, students will tell other students to take marketing and join DECA since they will have a great time participating. In my 15 years of teaching, the comment I get most from seniors graduating is, ‘Mr. Mefford, I wish I joined DECA earlier.’”