The Lebanon City Council meeting held on February 1, 2025, featured a detailed discussion on the Lebanon High School DECA program, led by teachers Jason Joris and Tyler Damm. The meeting aimed to highlight the program's recent successes and upcoming events, showcasing its impact on students and the community.

The session began with introductions from Joris and Damm, who have been integral to the DECA program at Lebanon High School. Joris has been teaching for 23 years, while Damm has contributed for three years. They discussed the various business courses offered at the school, including marketing, principles of business, and personal finance, which they emphasized as crucial for students' post-graduation success.

A significant focus of the meeting was on the DECA program itself, described as a business organization aimed at developing leadership skills and business knowledge among students. The teachers noted that DECA has been part of Lebanon High School since 2012 and has grown significantly, with membership increasing from 12 to 82 students over the years. This growth has led to a higher level of participation in competitions, with 68 members competing at the district level this year.

The DECA competitions primarily consist of role-play scenarios where students present business-related solutions to judges. Joris and Damm explained that there are approximately 30 categories available for students to choose from, allowing them to pursue their interests in areas such as marketing management, entrepreneurship, and hospitality services.

The teachers also highlighted the importance of community engagement through various events organized by DECA, which aim to foster a sense of camaraderie among students and promote the program outside of academic settings. These events help create a club-like atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and excitement among members.

As the meeting progressed, Joris and Damm shared details about the recent district competition, where Lebanon High School advanced 33 students to the state level, a notable achievement given the competitive nature of the district, which includes around 750 students from multiple high schools.

Looking ahead, the state competition will take place in downtown Indianapolis, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills further. The teachers encouraged community support for these events, emphasizing the positive impact of DECA on students' personal and professional development.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the DECA program's growth and success at Lebanon High School, highlighting its role in preparing students for future careers while fostering leadership and teamwork. The council expressed support for the program and its initiatives, recognizing its value to the community.