Big things are happening at CCHS this year! The school is thrilled to announce that a DECA chapter (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is officially coming to our school, and it’s all thanks to Madam Pinto, a dedicated and passionate advisor. If you’ve ever thought about how to grow as a leader, develop real-world skills, and explore exciting career opportunities, DECA is the perfect place for you. This is a club that’s all about empowering students to succeed, allowing them to grow their skills in business and marketing, and helping them find opportunities beyond high school.
Meet Madam Pinto: A Mentor with Heart and Experience
Before she became a French teacher, Madam Pinto had a career in business. She studied at HEC Montréal, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and went on to earn a masters from Mcgill. Later, she worked as a French translator and ran her business, gaining a lot of work experience across various industries. Such career development gave her substantial material in understanding communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and ethical decision-making.
Why DECA?
DECA is not just another extracurricular activity; it is a life-changing opportunity for students who want to prepare for their futures. DECA is an association which aids students in their career development and furthers their skills in real world simulations. This is an international organization aimed at the development of the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. At CCHS, DECA provides the perfect avenue for students to grow, learn, and compete on higher levels. Throughout the year, the members of DECA will go through different developmental activities. They will be able to participate in a variety of things: leadership conferences, business simulations, and role-play events in which they are tasked with solving real-world business problems. It is with such hands-on experiences that students are afforded the opportunity to practice their communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills-all beneficial in any career path chosen.
Above all, DECA is a means to move out of the classroom and into action. Whether students create a business plan, work with a local company to develop a marketing strategy, or compete at the district or state level, they are asked to grow in learning and take risks, which they would not typically be tasked with in school.
A Commitment to Your Future
Members of DECA are expected to be active participants: attending weekly meetings, working hard to prepare for competitions, and collaborating on group projects. Apart from the business enterprise experience, DECA members will gain leadership and people skills which will prove invaluable for college and everyday life. Madam Pinto insists that students simply need the correct environment to grow to their full potential, which the organization often curates for them.
Real-Life Experience: DECA in Action
Unlike most clubs, DECA members gain hands-on experience by participating in competitive events, networking with industry professionals, and developing essential business skills. Through role-plays, case studies, and collaborative projects, DECA members will strengthen their leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to attend conferences, interact with mentors, and apply their knowledge in real-world business environments.take what they learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Other chapters also partner with businesses in the area, affording students the opportunity to work on real marketing strategies, help solve problems for companies, and sometimes even participate in job shadowing or internships. These experiences make the lessons learned through DECA tangible and provide doors into the potential career paths a student may be interested in.
How to Get Involved
Attend weekly meetings every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. in Room 311, or join the Google Classroom code: vrr5baj for upcoming events and activities. There are no academic requirements whatsoever-just the interest to learn and work hard.
So, if you’re ready to challenge yourself, learn from the best, and be part of something bigger than yourself – join DECA today!
