Students Gain Real‑World Skills Through School Business Club

Valley High’s business club, DECA, is turning ordinary classes into real‑world training. The club has grown fast in its third year, thanks to teacher Nick DeFrancesco’s guidance. Students meet after school and sometimes more often, practicing role‑plays and case studies that mimic real business challenges. A junior named Kamryn Graham didn’t choose the Hotel and Lodging Management topic at first, but curiosity kept her engaged. She will soon travel to Hershey for a statewide competition, representing Valley alongside other students. Another student, 16‑year‑old Caden Shurina, plans to run his family nursery business after high school. He already won first place in supply chain management at a district event and will compete again this year. Kaleigh Mator, a senior, is preparing for the apparel and accessories marketing round.Even though she aims to become a pediatric nurse, the club has sharpened her communication skills and taught her how to ask deeper questions. DECA’s focus isn’t just on careers; it also boosts personal finance knowledge. Research shows many teens lack basic money skills, yet the club teaches budgeting and real‑world financial decisions. Students report that participating opens doors to new friendships and future opportunities. “Seeing how other schools compete, even with different budgets, shows we can stand out, ” DeFrancesco notes. When students return each year excited about what they’ve learned, it signals the program’s success. The club’s competitions test knowledge through exams, role‑plays, and case studies, giving students a taste of professional life. By practicing these scenarios, they learn to hit key performance indicators and build confidence for future careers.