February 24, 2025 - In the fall, Canyon High School introduced a new DECA chapter to the campus, joining Pieper High School and Davenport High School with chapters in the district.
DECA is a student Career and Technical Education (CTE) organization with a focus on business leadership. It provides students interested in pursuing a career in business with opportunities to expand their skills, compete against others, and find scholarships. Although the CHS chapter is still in its infancy, eight members have advanced to the State competition in Dallas this March.
The formation of the CHS DECA chapter is credited to sophomore and DECA President Raghavendra Devarakonda who introduced the idea to his CTE business teacher Moses Molina at the start of the school year.
“I really wanted to join DECA because of my interest in pursuing business,” says Devarakonda. “We ended up converting the Business Professionals of America (BPA) club over to DECA, absorbing their members as well.”
The chapter, created and sponsored by Molina, has a total of 30 members. The switch from a BPA chapter to DECA was inspired by the many opportunities provided within the leadership organization. Through its resources and real-world experiences, DECA members can become well-rounded business professionals.
The DECA chapter’s initial goal for the year was to grow its presence at CHS while also gaining experience. The goal was reached easily after advancing to the state competition and being recognized by Texas DECA for achieving membership growth in its first year.
“Competing for the first time at DECA was a combination of interesting, fun, and challenging,” explains Devarakonda. “We worked so hard to get there, so hearing we advanced to State at the district competition felt great.”
Depending on the event, DECA competitions can include taking an online business exam, writing an essay, or participating in a business role-play scenario. These events prepare students for the reality of being a business professional.
Students who advance to the International level competition have the opportunity to compete and receive scholarships to pursue higher education in a business field.
Molina and his DECA team have not let their status as a new group slow them down. Their presence at State is a testament to their hard work and dedication as they build their legacy at Canyon High.
“We have great kids here at Canyon and know DECA has a lot to offer. Whether students plan to study business in college or not, there is so much to gain from being a part of DECA,” Molina says.
In their pursuit for membership growth, Devarakonda encourages anyone who is interested in pursuing business to join the club.
“DECA is a great place to expand your skills, meet people in the field, pursue scholarship opportunities, and just compete and have fun.”
Canyon High DECA State Qualifiers
- Elyas Ahmadi - Principles of Finance
- Nathan Armour - Principles of Finance
- Cole Caraway - Entrepreneurship Series
- Raghavendra Devarakonda - Accounting Application Series
- Pierce Hohensee - Principles of Business Management and Administration
- Alex Ivannikov - Principles of Business Management and Administration
- Akash Patel - Principles of Entrepreneurship
- Lucas Milad Garcia Yassa - Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
Canyon High DECA Members Recognized for Chapter Growth
- Jacob Coulter
- Jace Gambrel
- Adrian Gilbreath
- Nikolai Ivannikov
- Jayce Jerulle
- Madilyn Lewis
- Aaron Ly
- Lazaro Martinez
- Kaybri Mayo
- Major McCarty
- Zayn Navarrete
- Blake O'Sullivan
- Dhruv Patel
- Ella Patel
- Prachi Patel
- Roshan Patel
- Lucas Schleweis
- Emily Shaw
- Adam Solomon
- Kareem Solomon
- Addison Stanley
- Tristan Wofford
Thank you Moses Molina for forging a new Path to Success for the students of Canyon High School!
Photo Descriptions
- Canyon High School sophomore Raghavendra Devarakonda studying with teammates
- Canyon High School DECA team studying
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