Masuk Free Press

By Mackenzie Magas and Josebe Aja

Even if you don’t have a valentine this year you can buy a friend or special someone a chocolate rose or personalized valentine from either of the business clubs at Masuk. Both FBLA and DECA are running fundraisers in which students can purchase valentines. FBLA members are selling chocolate roses for $3 each during passing periods in front of Mrs. DiSette’s classroom, as well as in the morning before school begins in the foyer. Mrs. DiSette explained, “all of the money raised is going to the Janette Halpin scholarship fund and any business student who is a senior is qualified to get that scholarship and can use the scholarship for whatever they’re planning to go into college for ”. In addition, DECA is offering students the opportunity to create their own valentines during the three lunch waves for 2$ and take it to go, or buy a premade valentine that includes a small surprise for $3 that will be hand-delivered by DECA’s cupids during FLEX on valentines day. Mrs.Crino stated the proceeds go to a scholarship created in honor of “a business teacher who worked at Masuk for a long time and after she retired we started a scholarship in her name. The scholarship is given to one, two, or three students depending on how much money we raise.” Various other fundraisers are orchestrated to fund the scholarship such as the PSAT and SAT snack bags and a possible upcoming three-on-three basketball tournament which will be run by FBLA. The scholarship is eligible for graduating seniors who apply for the scholarship and “who have been involved in the business program. We look at how many business classes they’ve taken, what clubs they were in, what kind of impact they made on the business department while they were here at Masuk, their grades, and then the three business teachers decide who gets it” said Crino. Sophomore student and member of DECA, Harini Gosukonda is participating in the fundraising and commented on the beneficial experience joining DECA has been. She described how “it’s been rewarding and exciting to set up with other DECA members right before the holiday. I first joined DECA looking to gain more knowledge and figure out my interests, and through club activities and the DECA competition, which I definitely recommend for all new members, I was able to learn a lot about the business world firsthand.” Both FBLA and DECA are great opportunities for any student interested in business, and these Valentine’s day themed fundraisers are quite a treat for the Masuk community.