Whitefish student visits with Lt. Gov. on career groups

Whitefish High School student and Montana DECA president Emma Claire Spring recently spoke with Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney on the importance of career and technical education during the Montana Career and Technical Student Organization Governor’s reception.

The reception featured leaders from DECA, the Distributive Education Clubs of America, as well as BBPA, Skills USA, HOSA, FFA, FCCLA and TSA.

“Montana is home to many career and technical student organizations,” Spring said. “However, regardless of which organization a teacher, school, or district decides to implement, all CTSOs offer the same benefits to students: preparing them for a successful college and career experience.”

Cooney praised the students’ initiative and willingness to prepare for their futures through business organizations.

“You are tomorrow’s future, thank you for preparing yourself,” he said.

Noting that February is Career and Technical Education month, student organization leaders stressed the importance of their involvement in organizations like DECA.

Participation in student clubs can be a highlight of a student’s time in school, Spring said.

“Being part of a CTSO community is often the highlight of a student’s high school and college career,” she said. “The experiences they encounter, the memories they build, the relationships they foster and the impact they leave in their respective communities is unparalleled and follow them to college and successful careers.”

DECA has a goal to prepare students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA provides co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. Montana will host their annual State Career Development Conference on Feb. 12-14 in Great Falls, where student members can interact with business professionals, network with peers and participate in leadership training.

For more information on DECA, visit www.mtdeca.com.