The members of the John Glenn High School DECA in Westland were recently awarded the Thrive Level Recognition for Community Service for the 2021-2022 school year.
DECA is a career and technical student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs interested in careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA provides co-curricular school programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition.
Each year, DECA recognizes leading chapters that have built strong local programs focused on serving an exceptional number of members, advisors, alumni and business partners. These chapters and individuals dedicate their year to academic and career preparation, community service projects, membership recruitment, school outreach activities and other DECA-related endeavors.
The John Glenn DECA members spread the word about the organization by speaking at a school board meeting, promoting the organization at an open house where they met parents and students to explain what DECA does. The group also hosted a school-wide Dress for Success Day.
“I am so proud of the members and their enthusiasm to help in their communities. They were passionate about donating and making the event special for the kids and their parents,” said Beth Johnson, DECA advisor at John Glenn High School.
As part of the group community service campaign, the John Glenn students participated in the Norwayne Citizens Council Tree Lighting Ceremony by donating coloring books and crayons for children's stockings.
The members also distributed cookies and hot chocolate to all who attended.
Of the 3,000 DECA chapters at schools across the country, only 450 chapters earned this recognition.