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bECA members rehearse in preparation Members of the chess team converse with each other while Juniors Meganne Kriha, Marcy Mantz and Megan Landolt
for the Be Yourself fashion show. They trying to improve their chess abilities. Nineteen students shop at the Mall of Ameri ca during their free time at a
held only one show whi ch helped to participated in chess club. photo by Alex Jeerer DECA competition in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There were
raise mon ey for cancer research. photo eight junior officers in in the club. photo contributed by
by Alex Jetter DECA

pages by Christen Nino

n

Strong leadership skills were require

The two factors that played a key role in the success of the chess, VICA and DECA teams
were competitive drive and strong leadership skills.
The chess club met to practice and master their skills and strategies in chess. In October, the ' ' Come Metro-time
team participated in and ultimately won the Central High School tournament. Over 200 players we played 40 minute
were represented in this tournament.
"[Chess] can be quite competitive at tournaments and team competitions. To improve, we games (20 minutes a
read chess books to learn about tactics, strategies and openings," senior Michael Lin said. person) and tried to
The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America was designed to work with students who were
interested in vocational trades. The club managed seve ral different activities to rai se money for put our skills to the
the costs of their activities. Their first fundraiser was held on December 9th for the wrestling test for the top five
tournament. The money went towards helping the VICA member volunteers pay to compete at slots.
the State Leadership Conference. In the spring they held their annual Lawn Mower Clean up
- Ankit Agrawal, I I
which helped to sponsor any national qualifiers.
Meanwhile, the members of the Distributive Education Club of America team planned many
socia l activities and held fundraising events to sponsor and raise money for their trips. ''
"DECA was a really fun experience because it taught me how to become a stronger person
and build leadership skill s," said senior Lauren Miller.
Members agreed these clubs required more than just dedication and talent, they also required
a willingness to think creatively and get involved in community opportunities in order to have
been a part of the team.