Submitted Photo Students at Rugby High School sort and pack donated food, hygiene items and household supplies during the school’s annual DECA Food Drive, which collected more than 1,000 items for the Pierce County Food Pantry.

Rugby High School DECA collected more than 1,000 items during its annual DECA Food Drive, held Nov. 5-14, to support families served by the Pierce County Food Pantry.

Students and staff donated food, hygiene products, paper goods and cleaning supplies. Fourteen classrooms participated in a friendly competition to see which Period 1 class could contribute the most. Dan Seykora’s eighth grade math class finished as the top donor group.

The initiative was organized and led by Rugby High School DECA members, who coordinated the collection efforts and encouraged participation across the school. DECA focuses on leadership, service and community engagement within marketing, management, hospitality and finance.

“As a DECA chapter, we want to show up for our community and show that we care. Helping make these baskets for Thanksgiving is just one small way we can give back,” said RHS DECA Vice President of Marketing Abby Hager.

“This project shows the power of our students when they come together to help those in need,” said RHS DECA Adviser Craig Erickson. “We are proud of their compassion and commitment to supporting families in Pierce County.”

Rugby High School DECA extended gratitude to all students, staff, parents and community members who contributed. Donations will ensure families have access to essential supplies during the holiday season.

RHS DECA was formed in fall 2023 when a Marketing Education Program was established at Rugby High School. The chapter has since tripled in membership and is now the ninth largest DECA chapter in North Dakota. There are more than 800 DECA members from 27 high schools statewide. The RHS DECA officer team includes Opal Hackel, Abby Hager, Avery Harmel, Sidney Peterson and Beth Schmaltz, and is led by President Carter Teigen. Erickson serves as marketing instructor and adviser.