Lima Senior DECA program kicks off a new year

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A successful program at Lima Senior is ready to kick off another year of learning and giving back.

The DECA program held its annual breakfast to welcome the new junior members and install the new officers for the year. The students will learn a variety of skills, including leadership, civic consciousness, and real-world business skills, and some will compete in competitions. In the past couple of years, they have sent around 15 students down to compete nationally. But the skills they learn will translate beyond high school and college.

"So, our students will be business professionals. They are going to know how to speak publicly. They are going to know out to manage events. They are really great at networking. They meet a lot of different people at these conferences, and just overall leadership skills they are getting through the program. A lot of them will go into business and finance fields. But some of them will go on to different career fields as well. It really prepares the students to be successful in whatever career they pursue," says Chrissy Hood, Lima Sr. DECA advisor. 

This year's president of the senior chapter, Davyon Williams, is ready for a great year in the organization that means so much to him.

"It's an organization that opportunities can just overflow for anyone. It doesn't matter where you come from; it doesn't matter who you are; you can have the opportunity to make it anywhere in life. It doesn't just associate with one career; you can build your own road map to whatever career you want to, and DECA just provides so many opportunities to get you and pursue you and your dreams, and I love it so much," says Davyon Williamson, Pres. Senior DECA Chapter. 

The DECA students will be taking on their first project tomorrow by helping out at the Buddy Walk at Faurot Park.