Alma High School

Brayden Peppas: Throughout this educational conference, I explored various fundraising ideas, with my favorite being the sale of corsages for homecoming and prom. The president's session, where we played Kahoot, stood out to me because I won! I also learned about the history of Arkansas DECA and the organization as a whole. This conference highlighted the many facets of leadership, emphasizing that to be an effective leader, one must understand every aspect. A well-rounded leader can achieve great success.

Angel Martin: I was introduced to a variety of fundraising ideas, with "dunk the principal" and bake sales being among my favorites. My favorite session involved the VP of hospitality, whose engaging and interactive approach made the experience enjoyable. I appreciated getting to know my group members and working collaboratively to learn each other's names. The session emphasized how we all have an invisible string connecting us. This conference taught me the value of teamwork, highlighting the necessity of collaboration. Many sessions required teamwork, which improved my ability to engage with others. Additionally, I learned how to express my ideas while being considerate of others' perspectives.

Cade Moore: I gained valuable networking skills and learned how to apply them within our chapter. My favorite session was when the VP of Hospitality facilitated an activity where we tossed yarn around the room, sharing names and interesting facts about ourselves. This exercise enhanced my memory skills and understanding of others. I realized that people come in all varieties—shy, outgoing, energetic, and more. However, within DECA, these differences are overlooked as we unite and learn more about one another during such events.

Lucas Yates: During the meeting on October 2nd, I picked up numerous strategies to enhance the effectiveness of our chapter's fundraisers. The community service learning activity was particularly impactful, highlighting the significance of community service for our generation. The insights on fundraising and the importance of community service will empower me to better support my fellow DECA members. I can aid my peers in comprehending the rationale behind our chapter events and lead fundraising efforts while teaching them how to maximize their earnings.

Jasmine Henley: I learned the importance of teamwork during various sessions that required collaboration. Working together compels you to unite and find solutions with the support of your teammates. I discovered a plethora of fundraising options, many of which could be enjoyable for students and should be implemented in schools, including ours. My favorite session was the personal pep rally, as it was emotionally powerful and meaningful, offering support to those in need. Activities like the mud race would likely attract many students. This experience will enhance my leadership skills, as I learned that even when you wish to tackle everything alone, it's essential to accept assistance. Not only does this expedite tasks, but it also prepares you for the likelihood that you will need help.

Ryder Kenner: During the social media marketing session, I uncovered new posting techniques, particularly for videos. Focusing on trendy TikTok-style videos can significantly increase engagement and follower counts. My favorite activity involved networking; despite the internet issues, the close-knit interaction with the activity leader and fellow students was rewarding. We tossed yarn across the room, sharing names and personal details. The leader made networking enjoyable. This experience will improve my leadership skills by allowing me to observe how state officers communicate and promote DECA to others.

Sydney Watkins: I explored fresh fundraising ideas that could benefit our DECA chapter's field experiences, with activities categorized by their level of difficulty and planning requirements. For instance, we could organize a fashion show funded by local boutiques, generating revenue from ticket sales. The social media session with Anaya was my favorite, as it emphasized the importance of maintaining an active social media presence for DECA chapters. We even created a few TikToks with Anaya to gain practical experience. This conference has equipped me to become a better leader by attending sessions, exchanging ideas, and remaining open to insights from my peers. I've gained knowledge about our chapter's campaigns, fundraising strategies, basics of competitions, and the significance of social media in DECA, all of which I can bring back to support our chapter's growth and assist fellow members on their DECA journeys.

Layton Worst: Throughout the conference, I learned a variety of topics including fundraising strategies, SBE ideas, and the processes behind personal pep rallies, all of which are crucial contributions. My favorite session focused on SBE ideas, where I gathered valuable information to suggest for our SBE. I learned about successful initiatives from other nearby schools and offered my own suggestions. This conference not only inspired new ideas but also imparted a vital lesson: during the “Hula Hooping: DECA Style” session, I realized the significance of communication and teamwork for successful execution. I can apply these insights to future activities.