Welcome to The Wrangler Spotlight, a series where we interview members of different clubs at the Ranch. The goal of this series is to explore all the different extracurriculars that are offered to students! 

 In this first edition, the spotlight is on DECA 

DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. It’s a club that teaches students leadership and entrepreneurial skills.  

Now, let’s see what junior club member Iness Chaires has to say about DECA! 

What, in your own words, is DECA? 

“DECA is a business focused club that teaches you different aspects of leadership.” 

What are your competitions like? 

“Our competitions are roleplay based. The judge gives you a paper and you pitch an idea based on what the paper says. Then there’s a written section, where you have to write a twenty-page essay about a business idea and present it to the judges. It’s like Shark Tank.” 

Why did you join DECA? 

“I wanted to put myself out there because I’m usually in the corner. And I can learn more about business because that’s what I want to major in. Through DECA I gained a lot of friendships and leadership roles.” 

What is your favorite thing about DECA? 

“The events we go to. We get to go to Rockets and Dynamo games. I love bonding with everyone, and the bus rides are fun. Basically, the team bonding part.  

As well as the school store (The Longhorn Depot) where we sell concessions like cookies and coffee. It’s a great way to meet people around the school.”  

What is the hardest thing about DECA? 

“The deadlines. I like to procrastinate” 

What do you wish more people knew about DECA? 

“That it’s not as much work as it seems. You have time, resources, and people to help you out. The judges are very kind and give you time to talk. It’s just like a normal conversation.” 

Iness Chaires leaves us with this: 

“DECA is a great way to explore a future in business and make new connections.” 

You can find more information on DECA at the interest meeting on August 27 in room 1020!