By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Lake Orion High School Senior Morgan Monaghan started in DECA, which is an association of marketing students, as the quiet girl.
Fast forward two years later and she’s shaking the hands of CEO’s and giving speeches to thousands of her peers. For Monaghan, who’s not afraid of public speaking, but takes it as an opportunity to establish herself as a young woman on the brink of a successful career.
Earlier this year Monaghan and seven other appointed members to the Michigan DECA Executive Council traveled to Washington D.C. where they went through executive-level training. They were tested on their knowledge as state officers while learning what they had to do and the responsibilities that came with the position.
‘It was one of the happiest days of my life but it’s definitely a lot of pressure and with my team and my advisors, they really make it an enjoyable experience,? Monaghan said. ‘We place responsibilities on each other in a group setting so it makes things a lot easier.?
The eight student leaders that make up the State Executive Council were sworn in at the annual State Career Development Conference on March 13, 2015. These eight individuals were selected by their peers after presenting their abilities and ideas in a one-day campaign process that included creating a campaign booth and presenting a speech to over 4,000 Michigan DECA members that attended the conference.
Julia Dalrymple, who’s the DECA advisor and has taught businesses management at Lake Orion High School for 11 years, said it’s quite the honor to be named to the council. In her time as an advisor, Monaghan is only the third student from Lake Orion make it onto the council.
‘I am so proud of her, she is such a reliable, smart, funny young woman,? Dalrymple said. ‘She’s just a great girl and to be able to know that she’s just furthering herself even more is awesome.?
According to Dalrymple, Monaghan will help plan a lot of the activities the students do why’ll they’re at conferences. She will go through leadership training, scripting, reading a teleprompter and learning how to conduct herself while on stage.
The Michigan DECA State Executive Council is dedicated to providing experiences for each member that will empower them to achieve personal and professional growth. In order to achieve this, each year the Executive Council develops and executes a Program of Work.
This year’s Program of Work includes goals to increase membership. The state officers are also requested by chapters throughout the state to share their knowledge of leadership and the many benefits that DECA provides to high school students who are working toward a successful future. They also preside over fifteen student-oriented conferences throughout the year.
Monaghan has her sights already set on higher learning and an even higher career. She’s hoping to attend Miami of Ohio University or DePaul University and major in business or communications. When asked her dream job, she said she would like to be the chief client officer of an advertising company.
‘I really enjoy the marketing aspect but I also really enjoy getting to work with people and getting those relationships that can raise a company to do better things,? she said.