Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

 05/14/02

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn High School DECA "Takes Over"
the SuperMall

On Tuesday May 21, Auburn Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) will be hosting the eighth annual "mall takeover."  Since the mall was opened in 1995, Auburn High School DECA has sent students into various businesses in the mall to participate in the annual spring job shadow.

This year about 70 DECA members will be joining over 30 SuperMall shops to job shadow a manager.  While job shadowing the manager, the students will learn the various tasks that the manager is responsible for.  The students actually get to work in the store from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.  This is a great hands-on opportunity, and the students will be able to establish relationships with the companies.  DECA focuses on jump-starting the futures of students. An additional benefit gained from the "mall takeover" is a chance to find employment through the job shadow experience.

Junior Kayla Pearson said, "I went to the job shadow last year at Marshalls. I had a great time and the managers were able to see my ability. Later, when I applied, I had that extra edge.  I am still working there now."

Advisor Jim Burton said, "The main purpose of this activity is to allow the students an opportunity to meet and work with retail managers and learn different job skills."

For more information, contact Ashley Swartz and Kayla Pearson at (253) 931-4880.