Jessica Lu, staff writer

National DECA week concluded its annual promotion on Friday, Nov. 16.  Each year, officers brainstorm new ideas to inform, recruit and give back.

“We wanted students to be aware of what DECA is and why they should join,” Co-President Hooman Zarrabi said. “There’s really no other program that can prepare students for the future like DECA does.”

DECA is a student business organization seeking to introduce students to careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.  The Beverly branch of the organization consists of 60 members and meets Mondays at lunch in room 294.

“Business has always been a field that interests me,” member Alex Massachi said. “DECA is a great outlet for kids who want to explore that type of career.”

Around campus, members of the organization pinned up posters with questions such as, “What is DECA?” with information about the weekly events.  DECA rallied in front of the library on Tuesday, Nov. 13, attracting prospective students interested in joining the organization.

“We wanted to spread the word about DECA throughout the school,” Vice President of Publicity Kevin Delijani said.  “The amount of enthusiasm was great.  We’re still counting up new member totals, and I’m sure more will come later on in the year.”

Besides piquing student interest, DECA also addressed its concern for the Beverly Hills community.

“The great thing about National DECA week is that…[we] give back to the community,” Zarrabi said.

DECA organized the optional Autism Speaks assembly, which was held fourth period on Tuesday. Students listened to guest speakers Matt Asner, executive director of Autism Speakers Los Angeles, and Pam Eisenberg, event director of Autism Speaks.

“It was so emotionally stirring to listen to the guest speakers,” junior Eli Eshaghian said.  “In my opinion, there really hasn’t been enough done for the autism cause at the school.”

DECA gave out wristbands and stickers to students, in addition to raising $350.  All proceeds went to Autism Speaks.

On Thursday, DECA made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless, giving participants community service hours.

“[Overall], I would say we were pretty successful,” Zarrabi said.  “We had a lot of students who were interested and signed up on our recruiting day and I’m certain we’ll have even more at our DECA social.”
DECA will be hosting its social Monday, Nov. 19 during its regular meeting in room 294.  Interested students will have the opportunity to meet with current members.