On Oct. 29, the Agricenter hosted the Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Fall Leadership Conference for West Tennessee. The conference extends beyond just Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) to include organizations like SkillsUSA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Educators Rising.

Members of White Station’s DECA chapter took a field trip to the conference to participate in workshops focused on developing leadership qualities. Speakers taught about advocacy, communication, leadership styles and mentorship styles. 

“The best part of the conference was leading workshops for members,” Delaney Jones, HOSA’s West Tennessee Vice President, said. “We got to engage with them and see them really open up and lead… Next year, I hope we continue having state officers lead workshops.” 

The objective of the conference was not only to build connections between officers and members but to take the lessons about leadership back to schools so that the skills could be implemented.

“It was a great way to network with other students from other CTSOs,” Elizabeth Hubbard (12) said. “I learned a lot about leadership and professionalism that will help me in DECA.” 

Many students who attended the workshop have expressed a positive opinion of the overall experience, so attendance next year can be expected.

“Doing the CTSO conference opened my eyes to different characteristics that make up a leader,” Ivy Qui (11) said. “It was really fun, and I would definitely go next year because I got to meet new people from all over.”