Following the retirement of Kaye Sommer, 25 year DECA advisor for MHS, it was unclear who would fill the role for teaching her business classes and acting as advisor for DECA competitions. Over the summer break, administration hired Kelly Janeczek (Ms. J) to take over Sommers responsibilities. Fitting her new teaching position, Ms. J has plenty of experience in the business world. Owning her own business for 18 years before selling it and moving on to the next chapter. She took time to explore more options within a variety of industries before landing in a teaching position. She started her teaching career at Walled Lake Northern, as a marketing teacher. It was there that she discovered the vast world of the Distributive Education Clubs of America, or DECA for short. She participated as both a judge and a coordinator, putting her business experience to perfect use in the new realm. After 6 years at Walled Lake Northern, she left her old position to join the Maverick family as a business class teacher and solo DECA advisor. Ms. J noted from the start how welcoming the MHS students and staff have been, “Students are really really nice here”, she exclaimed. As she settles into the new environment, she’s already turning her attention to how she can improve the DECA program within Milford. Setting goals and high expectations for their fellow competitors are just a few things she’s pushing students to do. Students are impressed with her ability to adapt and lead the program so effectively after so little preparation time. “I’m looking forward to watching students succeed and advance to the next level”, Ms. J adds.