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OPPORTUNITIES

Getting a head start

by Angie Allison
f you think that someday you may go into the
I business world, two clubs deeply involved in
business opportunities can help you get the feel of
the “ real world.” DECA (Distributive Education
Clubs of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders
of America), plus some business courses offered at
the high school could be beneficial.
DECA was headed by senior Becky Bradshaw,
District III vice president of Nebraska. She managed
many events, including a Honey Sunday Drive, col­
lecting nearly $1,000 for the Greater Omaha Associ­
ation for Retarded Citizens; a Goodwill Tour across
the state; a Cutest Baby Picture Contest; and a
Valentine Cookie Sale for the Heart Association.
Kearney and Minneapolis were the scenes of fall
conferences and the Omaha Hilton Hotel was the
scene of the state convention. At these confer­
ences, competitions such as fashion merchandis­
ing, apparel and accessories, food services, and
employer-customer relations were held. Students
com peted in various aspects for trophies and other
awards; some even for scholarships. Bradshaw,
senior Annette Wrinkle, and junior Lori Leonardo
won third place and up in state competition.
They weren't the only state business winners.
FBLA junior Lisa Boehler won state vice president at
the state convention, also held at the Omaha Hilton.
She was chapter vice president under the direction
of senior president Carol Nienke.
Money management, advertising personnel and
organizational responsibilities were several things
learned at the Flea Market that the club sponsored.
Many baked products, or jewelry, paintings, knick-
knacks, and other household items either hand
made or no longer wanted were sold.
Handicapped children were the recipients of a
Christmas shopping trip, and members had a pizza
party and went on a trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas
City, Missouri. Many more things were on their list of
activities.
How do the DECA and FBLA members get their
start? Elective business courses at the high shcool
also numbered quite a few. Office Occupations,
Typing, Shorthand, Bookkeeping and Clerical
Recordkeeping and their advanced partners, plus
Business Law, Consumer Skills, and General Busi­
ness were a few of the courses. Many aspects of the
business world were studied in each course; Gen­
eral skills on up to the more difficult ones, depend­
ing on the class were learned.
Maybe just getting an idea of life outside school or
home could lead to bigger and better things if you
start now. How? With the help of such programs as
FBLA and DECA.

Oh. th« hour, spent on secretanal training! Dictaphone practicing now. may help senior Ste­
phanie Couch later when she applies tor a job with dictaphone experience