Members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School DECA club who paid their $30 dues by Sept. 9 were able to pick up one free small Italian ice from Cecilie’s Gourmet Italian Ices. Both the new and returning members of DECA participated in the event, which encouraged members to pay their dues on time.

The event had two separate dates depending on what grade the members were in. Freshmen and sophomores were able to pick up their free treat on Tuesday, Sept.15, while juniors and seniors picked theirs up on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

“Marjory Stoneman Douglas DECA is one of the largest (over 600 strong) and most respected clubs at MSD. As of April 2018, it is the third largest chapter in the world,” according to the MSD DECA website.

In light of the ongoing pandemic, Cecilie’s Gourmet Italian Ices offers curbside pickup where customers can order, pay and receive their ices in the safety of their own car. DECA Members arrived between 5 p.m.-10 p.m. to choose their Italian ice. To ensure that they received their free dessert, the club members had to put their full name and MSD DECA in the comment section of their order.

“It’s really nice to have an event like this,” Vice President of Fundraising Gianna Brock said. “We think that it’s going to be a really great event just to kind of kick off with DECA and show our members that we’re still… supporting them, and we still want to be connected even if we can’t be together.”

To become a member and to maintain their membership, students must be enrolled in at least one qualifying DECA class, which includes courses in hospitality and tourism or within the Academy of Finance.

“I really love the sense of community that it [DECA] has provided me,” Co-President Alexis Tracton said. “I have found two of my closest friends in DECA.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many school events such as the homecoming dance, picture day, sports and extracurricular events have been cancelled, postponed or are being held virtually. However, DECA still managed to find a way to hold this event to reward their 200 members for paying their dues on time. 

“You end up making so many incredible friends and learning so much [in DECA], and you get to have so many incredible life lessons and make so many memories,” Co-President Lexie Sealy said. “So, I think that’s something really special.” 

Cecilie’s Italian Ices is located at 10726 Wiles Road in Coral Springs. Prices range from $3.30 for a small to $9.95 for a quart.