WCHS DECA recognized for THRIVE level achievement of chapter and membership campaigns

Warren County HS DECA was among 525 chapters that achieved THRIVE level recognition this year and will be commended at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held April 22-25, 2023 in Orlando, FL.

Each fall, DECA offers four campaigns for chapters to complete as part of their program of leadership for the year. These campaigns are designed to grow membership engagement and build lasting partnerships within the school and local community. Chapters that achieve THRIVE level receive a commemorative pennant, flag, and plaque. The chapters also have an opportunity to participate in ICDC. In order to receive THRIVE level recognition, the chapter completed two out of three chapter campaigns including the community service campaign, ethical leadership campaign and promotional campaign. Alternatively, the chapter could have participated in the membership campaign which challenged the chapter to attain two of three goals: recruit 20 professional members, recruit 20 alumni members, or increase student membership by 20 more members from the previous school year.

The WCHS DECA members who contributed to the THRIVE recognition for the Membership Campaign were: Sophia Logan, Vice-President of Membership & Recruitment; Faryn Gorham, Vice-President of Administration; and Jaelin Henry. The WCHS DECA members who contributed to the THRIVE recognition for the Chapter Campaign were: Ginger Gouda, Chapter President; Sara Waller, Vice-President of Hospitality; and Ella Martin, Vice-President of Corporate Information.

Community Service projects were completed and benefiting: Warren County Humane Society; Little Pink Houses of Hope; the American Cancer Society; and education for the arts in the high school. The Membership Campaign garnered 56 student memberships, 21 alumni memberships, and 22 professional memberships, bringing the Warren County DECA membership total to 99 chapter members!

Rick Gardner, the chapter’s advisor, stated, “I cannot begin to describe the hard work and dedication displayed by our chapter’s officers in working towards these goals. WCHS DECA truly has outstanding student members, dedicated alumni, and strong community support.”