DECA took a field trip to Busch Stadium, Sept. 12, for the Cardinals Career Day. DECA members, along with FBLA officers, heard a panel discussion and attended a college fair before watching the Cardinals play.

“The people on the panel talked about what they do for a living. It was a fun way to learn about different jobs that impact sports and hear about what goes on behind the scenes,” junior Justin Radle said.

Emcee Tom Ackerman, of KMOX Sports, led the panel, which featured executives who focus on careers in sports and media.

“Alex Rodrigo is the VP of Sports and Entertainment Operations for the Blues and he really stuck out to me because he didn’t start out as a VP. He started really low and had to work his way up to where he is now,” senior Dylan Busken said.

DECA members attended a college fair after the panel dismissed. The college fair included schools from around the St. Louis area.

“I went but didn’t stay long. I wasn’t interested in the schools that were there,” senior Mallory Tesreau said. “I think this field trip is a really good intro to DECA because it shows the careers and pathways that DECA can help to open up for you.”

After the college fair, students had free time to get lunch downtown or explore Busch Stadium prior to the Cardinals game.

“We got to walk around downtown and get lunch. I like that we got the chance to hang out with our friends from other schools who were there,” senior Annie Rigoni said.

Students watched the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Cardinals 4-3 before returning to school that afternoon.

“If you have the chance you should go because you get the chance to meet and interact with people from Howell DECA and other DECA programs. It’s fun to be able to hang out with your friends and be brought together by DECA,” senior Gracie Langan said.