Abigail Krueger elected VP Membership Development

STAR JOURNAL

Abigail Krueger

For the first time ever, a Rhinelander High School DECA member has been elected to a state officer position. RHS junior Abigail Krueger will join the DECA State Officer Team as Vice President of Membership Development.

In her position, Krueger’s responsibilities will include helping Wisconsin DECA grow through recruiting efforts and promotions, developing recruitment materials, communicating the benefits of being a DECA member to advisors, students and alumni; connecting with chapters from around Wisconsin on social media, effectively communicating the positive aspects of DECA to business professionals and building relationships with business partners in the local community and state, among many other duties.

Krueger began the lengthy application process in December with the creation of a portfolio in which she communicated her accomplishments. It also included a statement of intent, high school transcripts, code of conduct and agreement to serve, social media code of conduct, resume, three letters of recommendation, and an advisor recommendation form as well as supporting documents of her accomplishments.

The next step in the process was advancing to state officer screening in February. This was an opportunity for applicants to work toward developing an understanding of DECA’s Guiding Principles.  The activity is designed to highlight how DECA is preparing its members to be academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, and an experienced leader.  At the screening, Krueger was involved in a small group activity and presentation as well as individual interviews.

The final step of the process was presenting to the voting delegates and business partners at the state conference held earlier this month. Krueger gave two speeches; one was a three-minute speech where the voting delegates played the role of marketing teachers and DECA advisers and the topic of the speech was seeking their support for every chapter to have 100 percent membership and to create a network between members and state officers.

The second was a five-minute speech on her platform as it related to the specific duties of the office she sought. Krueger’s platform was assisting smaller chapters to grow in membership, therefore increasing the overall state membership.

DECA, founded in 1946, is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.  For more information regarding RHS DECA, WI DECA, or DECA, Inc. visit the following web sites: www.rhsfbladeca.weebly.com, www. wideca.org, www.deca.org or contact advisor Mischell Fryar at 715-365-9500 or fryarmis@rhinelander.k12.wi.us.