The business club DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America ) has changed its affiliation to BPA (Business Professionals of America) because it fits better with the current business and marketing department classes that are offered now at the high school.

DECA was focused more on marketing. BPA on the other hand, offers events like web design, video production, and multimedia.

“BPA offers a wider range of competitive events than DECA,” said BPA adviser Rebecca Allard.

“BPA is just like DECA,” she said, “but it is geared more towards the all-around field of business.”

Making the switch from DECA to BPA was not that hard.

“BPA is run by the same organization as DECA.” Allard said. “The competitions are just held a week earlier.” Allard added that some schools have both BPA and DECA, but SFHS does not have a BPA class, unlike other schools who compete.

The change was voted on by the club. Allard thinks students do a great job in the club and in the competitions by taking the many class offerings in the business and marketing department.

Jordan Westling is a senior member of the former DECA now BPA club. Westling thinks that BPA is working on being more involved as a club within the school and one another.

“We don’t want to meet just once a week and then compete,” she said. The clubs goal is to meet more, and practice more so they can be ready for competitions.

“We should be successful” Westling said.

The club has almost doubled in size and they still have a lot of people joining.

Sophomore Morgan Hoppe is excited about what the year has in store for her as a first year participant. Hoppe will be participating in the personal finance and accounting areas at the district competition.

In February the club will be going to the districts competition. All who qualify for state will attend the competition in March.

In order to attend competitions, BPA does fundraisers. They also raise money for a cause every year. In October, BPA hosted what used to be known as DECA Dodgeball.

“A portion of the profits were donated to breast cancer research.” said Allard. They held the event in October because it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

BPA is also doing one of their fundraisers everyday after school. The Otis Cookies sold in the school store help contribute to their activities account.

“We sell cookies everyday after school and at sporting events.” Westling said. “Check those out!” She added with a smile.