Competing in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) event brings unique challenges and excitement. A few students from Moanalua High School participating in DECA and HOSA shared their perspectives on how they’ve prepared for the competition and how it’s influenced their personal and professional growth. This year, CTSO was held from February 17th to the 19th at the Hawaii Convention Center; different organizations such as, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), and FCCLA (The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America).
DECA
DECA, short for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a nonprofit organization designed to help students prepare for business careers. It provides programs for both high school and college students. DECA nurtures leadership abilities, facilitates networking with business professionals, offers opportunities to participate in business competitions, organizes educational conferences, and provides hands-on experience through school-based enterprises.
“I feel as prepared as I can be,” Moanalua High School Junior and DECA member Jerijoe Aceret shared before the DECA competition. “There’s a lot of uncertainty for CTSO because everything is given to you at the competition. Ms. Kramer and Ms. Yonamine has been doing such a great job preparing us. We require four practice tests, and those requirements have made me want to get better after each roleplay and each test.”
He added that repetition has been key to boosting their confidence. “The practice tests have helped me build my confidence over the past few weeks. I’m trying to go beyond what’s required to make sure I do as well as I can.” DECA’s role has extended beyond just preparing for competitions. “I’ve surrounded myself with a lot of people from DECA recently. I’ve made a lot of new friends, and it’s affected my schedule a lot. Every week, I’m doing role plays and taking three practice exams. It’s kind of this repetition that’s keeping me going for CTSO. It’s not a huge thing, but it’s the small things that will hopefully add up to a better performance at the competition.”
Jerijoe Aceret hopes to pursue a career in business, specifically marketing and advertising. “DECA has been helpful because they offer specific roles you can practice. I’m in Principles of Marketing, and a lot of the questions on the tests are practical. They teach you how to write emails, understand different business types, and communicate professionally in and out of the workplace. It applies to the business world.”
He also emphasized the importance of soft skills learned through DECA. “Meeting new people, being adaptable, and understanding the context of a situation are essential qualities in business. Being able to put your best foot forward and solve problems in a short amount of time is a great skill. DECA helps you nurture those skills, and that’s going to be useful in my future.”
Moanalua High School Junior Pagna Eckles, 2025-2026 Hawaii State DECA president and former 2024-2025 Hawaii State Vice President of Public Relations, is not directly part of the Moanalua chapter, but he is actively involved in the MeneMart team. MeneMart is a student-run mart operated after school by the business club, DECA. His responsibilities include managing shifts on Wednesdays and overseeing consignments throughout the week.
When asked about his thoughts on CTSO, he expressed enthusiasm. “I’m very excited because I’m running for state president. I’m looking forward to launching my campaign and handing out treats,” Eckles said. “I’m also ready for my competition and hope to reclaim my success from freshman year.” DECA’s impact extends beyond school hours, affecting his personal life in various ways. “Due to my experience on the state council, it’s a huge responsibility. We oversee every person in the state, and that means managing state regulations and paperwork,” they explained.
“I prepare lessons, teach chapter presidents, create slideshows, and attend executive meetings every month.” However, the benefits outweigh the challenges. “DECA has positively affected my personal life by improving my communication and public speaking skills. After three years, I wouldn’t be where I am today in terms of school and speaking abilities without DECA. It has truly transformed my life.”
As the competition draws near, these student’s hard work and preparation are a testament to the opportunities DECA provides. With a combination of confidence, practice, and passion for the business world, they are ready to take on the challenges ahead.
HOSA
Health Occupations Students of America, otherwise known as HOSA, is a student organization that prepares students for careers in health sciences. HOSA expands leadership skills, increases teamwork skills, and teaches students about the health professions. Students from middle school through college can join HOSA. If you plan on majoring in health or are interested in the healthcare pathway, joining HOSA is a great experience and boost to your interests.
Moanalua High School Junior Seijah Pascual, 2025-2026 Vice President of Public Relations and former 2024-2025 Hawaii HOSA State Leadership Intern, has been a part of HOSA since she was a freshman. “It’s lots of fun and I’ve gained a lot of friends from [HOSA] and I learned a lot from going to the conferences every year,” Pascual explains. Her older sister and cousin were also a part of HOSA which inspired her to become a member herself.
“Because of HOSA, I’m able to gain skills as a future health professional that will help me in my career later on.” Pascual aspires to be a registered nurse because her mother is an assistant nurse and her sister is a nurse as well. “I want to be a nurse because nurses are the main providers of patient care. If it weren’t for them, doctors would have to do everything themselves and patients wouldn’t get the care they need,” Pascual expressed. Her family plays a big part when it comes to healthcare and once in college she plans to major in health.
Junior Brianne Maki is another member of the Moanalua HOSA team and she has also been in the organization since she was a freshman. Maki’s interest in the healthcare field has influenced her to join HOSA. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do to like, kind of get used to what it’s gonna be like [in the healthcare field],” Maki says. Though being in HOSA is a lot of work, Maki feels that it’s a good experience for those who are interested in the medical field or who are curious about trying it. She plans to use HOSA as her interest in the medical field. Maki also plans on majoring in health in college. “I plan on majoring in Pre-Med.” She states.
HOSA is a heavily recommended course for students who are interested in the healthcare field. This course plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare professionals. It may seem as though HOSA prepares its students for success in healthcare but also fosters personal growth and self-confidence. The experiences gained through HOSA are invaluable, making it an essential organization for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Competing in CTSO for DECA and HOSA provides students with opportunities for both personal and professional growth. DECA members, such as Jerijoe Aceret and Pagna Eckles, have developed leadership, communication, and adaptability skills that prepare them for careers in business. Through continuous practice and networking, they are honing essential soft skills and gaining real-world experience. Similarly, HOSA members like Seijah Pascual and Brianne Maki are building healthcare-related knowledge and developing leadership qualities that will support their future careers in nursing and medicine. In the 2023-2024 HOSA competition Seijah Pascual and her teammates scored first place in the Mental Health Promotion category.
Whether in business, healthcare, or culinary, CTSOs offer invaluable experiences that empower students to grow, pursue their passions, and take on future challenges with confidence.
