By Tom Rohrer
Many things run through the minds of high school students, which in turn can leave little room for future plans and aspirations.
However, there is a large group of teenagers (or young adults) who are learning business tactics first hand, all of which will pay dividends for the rest of their lives.
Thanks to programs like DECA (previously known as Distributive Education Clubs of America) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students have the opportunity to harness knowledge in marketing, finance and other business related topics.
While the program clearly benefits all students involved, there are individuals who have taken their participation to the next level and are representing the Thurston County area on a regional, and national level.
As a freshman at North Thurston High School, Connor Hawthorne was told by his father to become more involved in student-clubs offered by NTHS. Hawthorne attended the FBLA meeting, and after a long lasting first impression by a presenter, the now business entrepreneur (yes, already) has thrived in the program.
“I just remember (the presenter) dressed very sharp and professional, and I thought, this just appeals to me,” Hawthorne said. “Now I look back to that meeting as a (pivotal) moment for my life.”
Hawthorne has earned several accolades and first place finishes at Washington State competitions in categories such as ‘Computer Problem Solving’ and ‘Help Desk’ (first place finish at the Capital Region FBLA). This is appropriate because the NTHS junior plans on studying computer engineering at the University of Washington following graduation. That is, if a business venture doesn’t take him around the globe first.
Hawthorne is a Brand Partner for Vemma. The home-based company focuses on the energy drink “Verve.”
“It’s cool to already have something going on like this, plus my job doesn’t interfere with school,” Hawthorne said. “If I have the opportunity to expand globally, I may do that after high school.”
Hawthorne is able to balance school work, his business and extracurricular activities, including varsity soccer and cross country by using time management skills learned in part through his experience at FBLA.
“At those competitions, it’s a little hectic and you need to focus quickly and get to work,” said Hawthorne, who will be running for FBLA State Secretary at the State Leadership Conference in Spokane in April. “In my life, I’m always trying to do something productive with every moment. You can sit around, watch TV, play video games, or work towards your future.”
Like Hawthorne, Black Hills High School senior Marissa Lemon knows about productive time management.
The four year DECA member and current Black Hills DECA Club President, Lemon won the regional event (against over a hundred other competitors) in fashion promotion. She was a few points from qualifying from nationals in the category.
Lemon has qualified for state every year since, and will be traveling with the club to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, Calif, in April. Along with the competitions, Lemon, and the rest of BHHS DECA formulate school events and fundraisers.
“I think it just gives you skills you will need in the future for your career, like how to present yourself and network with others,” said Lemon, who will attend Western Washington University in the fall, where she plans to earn a degree in design. “Once you go to competitions, you realize what it’s like to be a part of the business world and marketing.”
Through her networking, Lemon has come in contact with Capital High School Coleman Johnson, the State Officer for Area Eight of Washington DECA. Johnson also performs duties on the DECA State Office Team.
Johnson is also a two time national champion in DECA, having won in the Marketing/Sales category as a freshmen and sophomore. He developed a service plan for smart phones in ninth grade (All Connect Wireless), and a language learning program titled Global Speak.
This April, Johnson and CHS DECA will also be traveling to the ICDC in Anaheim, yet another conference where Johnson can put his networking skills to use.
“It’s an amazing experience just being out there and connecting and networking with fifty states,” Johnson said of the national conferences and competitions he has competed in. “It takes a lot to be there with the emerging leaders and you want to make sure you form those connections.”
The on-campus CHS DECA’s student run store recently received the honor of being Gold Certified, one of under 200 student stores in the country to receive the award. Johnson also assisted in organizing DECApalooza, an area fashion show for professional businesses and DECA alumni to attend which also raised money for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. In November, Johnson helped host the Western Regional Conference in Seattle, in which students from 13 states and Guam attended.
“You stay busy, and that’s a great thing,” Johnson said of his seemingly endless duties and busy schedule. “This is a fast paced world and business wise, it will only get faster, so you have to keep up and keep working all the time.”
With the future of business and marketing in the hands of students like Hawthorne, Lemon and Johnson, it should make everyone currently in the workforce breathe a little easier.
