Levy County board proclaims November 2025 as DECA Month after Cedar Key students’ presentation

Students from Cedar Key High School’s DECA chapter presented their chapter’s community service work and upcoming events to the Levy County School Board, and the board approved a proclamation designating November 2025 as DECA Month.

The presentation began with Cedar Key teacher Mrs. Gill introducing a full officer team and handing the floor to student representatives. Executive President Claire Ryan and other officers described chapter activities including a fall festival booth, Helping Hands Project volunteer packing (more than 200 bags), an annual canned-food drive (about 275 cans collected this year), a coastal cleanup, and a peanut-butter challenge that this year yielded 331 jars (5,369 ounces). Students said they plan fundraising and community events including a surf-and-turf dinner on Nov. 14 and a fishing tournament on Nov. 15, and they invited board members to attend.

Superintendent Tamara M. Boyle read the proclamation language into the record, saying that "DECA is a student organization that encourages the development of business, marketing, and leadership skills" and urging citizens "to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by the DECA chapter of Cedar Key High School and to support and participate in programs to prepare students for college and professional careers." After a motion and second, the board voted to approve the proclamation; the chair announced, "Motion carried." The proclamation as read notes the designation will be signed and sealed in October 2025.

Student presenters emphasized the chapter’s focus on volunteering and community engagement, noting projects that benefit pantries across Levy, Gilchrist and Alachua counties and the chapter’s record of sending students to state and international competitions. The presentation included both program accomplishments and plans for upcoming fundraisers and competitions. The students also described school- and community-focused events such as a spring barbecue, sponsorship drives and competition attendance.

Board members praised the students’ service and leadership. With no additional board action required beyond adopting the proclamation, the board moved on to other items on the agenda.