Friday, March 29, 2024

CHS DECA president nominated for international president position

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    Participating in clubs and sports can be an integral step in getting to the top of the education process. D'Andre Vasquez has not only participated, but achieved reaching leadership positions within the organization, DECA. Vasquez has evolved from a member to doubling as the current Cascade High School DECA chapter president and a WA State DECA officer.
    Vasquez isn't done racking up leadership titles. He has the opportunity to take on the position of DECA International Executive President, if elected at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
    "I officially announced my candidacy at this year's state conference in February. Which was our largest state conference in Washington DECA's 72 year history," said D'Andre Vasquez, DECA International Executive President candidate. "So we had over 4,000 students there. It was just really, really inspiring and I'm extremely motivated to head down there (Orlando)."
    DECA is an international association that helps groom high school and college students interested in business and entrepreneurship for their future. The organization shapes students to fulfill leadership roles, which Vasquez has reflected in his own growth through the program. His consistent ability to be an impressive leader has prepared him for this next step as he climbs his personal ladder of success.
    "I'm motivated by success. I'm motivated not even just to myself, but to those around me. I've seen the great impacts that DECA has been able to have in my life. I'm completely inspired to provide that opportunity, not just here locally but hopefully at a larger international level," said Vasquez.
    Vasquez says his draw to DECA was at first simply finding his footing after a difficult personal time and looking for an outlet for motivation. He began his path with an Intro to Business class - as his experience and effort in the program flourished, he was propelled into much more responsibility after that pivotal moment committing to the program.
    "Little did I know signing up for that intro to business class would lead me to now running to be the next International Executive President," said Vasquez.
    After taking 5th in his competitive event at state and undergoing an application process, he was nominated by Washington's DECA for the International Executive President position. The official election will be far from home and Vasquez will be representing not only 11,000 members of WA State DECA, but Cascade High School in Orlando. If elected, he would be not only taking the title of ambassador but representing 219,000 members that span across 12 countries.
    "One of the things we're very passionate about is generating greater accessibility to the (DECA) experience. That is one of my largest platform and main objective. Should I become the next executive president is to provide this opportunity, that is currently offered to 219,000 students across the world in 12 different countries, generate more accessibility to it."
    Vasquez has his campaign platform crafted for the upcoming final days of the race on his side, but also a natural inclination to being a leader. His advisor, Tammy Murphy, reiterates that his consistent effort and guidance to others are weighted attributes to why he excels within the DECA program. Murphy states that he is instrumental in training new chapter members and aiding them to place at the state level.
    "He's a go getter attitude and he strives for perfection," said Murphy. "He's got a really positive outlook which helps motivate others. He's going to do great things."  
    The conference - and his final campaigning days and the official election - will be April 27 through April 30.Vasquez remains modest and community driven as he looks forward at this next achievement.
    "I've seen the effect of the community, the positivity and just the sense of family this community provides to students struggling and also students that are being very successful. One thing I really want to emphasize is that it's not about D'Andre Vasquez running for International Executive President, I think it's more about this Leavenworth community - such a small population providing a candidate for this international position. I think it goes to speak great levels of this community and the support that we provide. And I'm extremely grateful for the people who have contributed to this campaign and those still seeking to support it," said Vasquez.

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