DECA Clubs: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

’s DECA program – the Distributive Education Clubs of America - has become the largest club in the school under the leadership of Asante Farquharson. 

DECA has been a powerful presence in schools since 1946. With a focus on preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, the program has influenced the lives of over ten million students worldwide.  There are currently over 11,000 members in the U.S. 

South Gwinnett’s program, sponsored by marketing teacher Scott Allen, prepares students for the future. Students are instructed on how to write professional resumes, leadership skills and community involvement. The students participate in one community service project per month. They also compete in national marketing competitions, where they think on their feet and offer creative solutions to problems in front of judges. 

Last month, students Kyle Likely and Iaquan Rohers, South Gwinnett DECA members, won first and second place in the Financial Analysis Team Decision Making division. Kelsey McClellan, a Brookwood High student, placed second in the Advertising Services division while Daniel Komoroski, also of Brookwood, placed fifth in the Principles of Finance division.   

“It’s not just marketing,” said Asante Farquharson, president of South Gwinnett’s DECA program, “but preparing for the real world as well.” 

Asante ran for state president this year.  She was the first African-American female in the history of the organization to run for the position.  She did not win, but will run again on a collegiate level once she graduates. 

“I’d rather shoot for the stars and land in the clouds than not try at all,” she commented.

Scott Allen, who has sponsored the club for the past two years, believes the key success to DECA’s growth this year is due to Asante’s leadership. 

“Asante is extremely organized and plans in advance,” he remarked. “She drives the club with her enthusiasm. She is more driven than most people I know.” 

She is creating networks between South Gwinnett and other high schools in the area, like Shiloh High. 

The largest DECA chapter in the world is at South Forsythe High School, which boasts 675 members.  Asante would like to see her division reach that status. In fact, her platform as president at South Gwinnett was to do just that. Last year there were only 40-50 members.  

“Asante makes the operation and the organization of the club extremely easy for me as a sponsor,” Mr. Allen continued. “To me, she is the ideal person for the position of executive leader of an organization.” 

Last year, Emily Southard of Brookwood High School and McKenzie Perkins won the 2010 FLBA/DECA $1,000 scholarship, presented by the Snellville Chamber of Commerce.  Winners of this year’s scholarship will be announced on May 3rd. 

South Gwinnett plans on creating a strong entrepreneurial program next year.  They will host a task force on May 12 to plan for its development.