For the past four years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many DECA activities and conferences around the nation. Williams Field DECA has represented our high school and school district on the state and national level numerous times. Recently, I spoke with our high schools administration regarding stoles for our graduating officers to wear across stage this May. Our principal, Mr. Lynch, would not hear out our presentation and immediately rejected our request. He stated that DECA is not an "honor association" like those of NHS and STUCO. Although our organization has been "preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe" since 1946. I am concerned that our district does not respect DECA upon our high school campuses and the students that participate within. Preparing for a DECA conference is not a simple task. It takes years of curriculum based learning and real life situations to prepare you to succeed in DECA, as it does in any field. This year, our high school received high honors at the Arizona State Career Development Conference, when students Dakota Holbrooks (myself) and Ryan McDonough received first place in their event, and student Hayden Swann placed second in his. Many other students were recognized for their outstanding performance at state, and were rewarded a spot in this years International Conference in Orlando, FL, the highest honor a DECA member can receive. DECA is an active organization in our community, our state and our nation. Not honoring its members for their hard work, dedication and district representation is something that should not be tolerated.

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