Lenape DECA goes to states

By Stacy Maldonado STANHOPE — The Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) at Lenape Valley Regional High School scored high marks at the 2012 DECA Regional Competition on Jan. 4 at Ramapo College of New Jersey. The national club's mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Lenape’s chapter teaches members about these vocations, encourages civic mindedness, and helps members develop their leadership skills. DECA has existed at Lenape since 1980. Approximately 149 Lenape members competed under the tutelage of Robert Nusbaum, teacher of business and technology at Lenape. Students had to take a written test, role play various case studies presented to them, and compete in 18 categories such as accounting applications and apparel and accessories. Nusbaum believes the competition gave the students the opportunity to apply real-world learning in a hands-on setting. “I am very proud of the results, as well as the professional manner the students conducted themselves in at Ramapo,” said Nusbaum. DECA students prepared for regionals in their marketing classes. They also used an online course called Competition University, which can be accessed at school and at home. Monthly DECA chapter meetings enabled students to work with Lenape alumni volunteers. Approximately 53 students qualified at regionals to advance to the state competition starting Feb. 26 in Cherry Hill. There are currently 172 members in DECA at Lenape.