DECA Senior Standout – Grace Debrecht

Grace Debrecht wasn’t always this passionate about marketing. When she started high school, she had her mind set on being an athletic trainer. However, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), a competition that prepares high schoolers for careers in marketing and finance-related professions, changed her mentality. Debrecht has been participating in DECA for three years, making it to nationals two years in a row. She explains, “DECA is a great networking source and real-world experience to help me in college and my future career.” She points out that DECA has taught her how to work well with others even if they disagree, how to work under pressure, and how to manage her time successfully. Debrecht’s favorite memory was at states last year when she and her partner were told they were going to nationals. “It was such a relief to know that all of our hard work was worth it.” Debrecht will pursue her business career at the University of Minnesota as a business major. Her final advice is, “Everything is tough for a long time, but it’s so rewarding once you get through it. If you choose a meaningful project, it can impact people and create change.”