DECA members assembled in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School auditorium to welcome and officiate the newest members of DECA. Held on Nov. 8, this induction was attended by DECA Officers, DECA teachers, newly joined club members and their parents to celebrate their joining.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., students gathered in their seats to listen to speeches recited by some of the Florida DECA officers.Two of the many speeches was presented by DECA’s co-presidents Carly Rogalla and Angelina Kennedy in which they shared inspirational words of their paths through DECA and how it affected their life.

“The speeches were helpful,” freshman Lily Synder said. “They really explained what it’s going to be like and things to expect from DECA.”

After many different unique presentations on the benefits and opportunities of the club, two student officers began calling up members in rows to get their certificate and a light up candle used later in the induction.

The new members gathered in front of the stage to recite the DECA pledge, listing their commitments and hopes for the club. They then switched on the battery operated candles and joined together, the new members becoming an official part of DECA.

“My favorite part of the induction was the candle ceremony; it brought everyone together to celebrate the new students,” DECA Officer Courtney Shostack said. “The candles represent unity in the club,”

The induction was a crucial part of new members’ path through DECA. Giving them a peek into what’s to come with the club. It opens many opportunities to specialize in finance, business and entrepreneurship, Including anything in hospitality.

“I think the induction is important because it’s kind of like the freshmen’s first sense of getting involved in DECA,” co-president Carly Rogalla said. “This is the first time they’re going to an actual DECA event to learn about the fun aspects of being in the club.”

The DECA induction in which was attended by many of the officers and members were used to unify and officialize DECA’s newly joined members. It held an important part in the future of DECA and the students who will become leaders of the club in years to come.