Wareham’s branch of the National Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) kicked off its second annual tailgating party on Friday, Sept. 21, with games, music and a whole lot of food.

“It’s our way of celebrating the new school year and the Vikings’ first home game,” said DECA Vice President of Leadership Ethan Osley. 

Osley helped to organize the event along with several other club members managing everything from supplies to fundraising.

New Bedford-based DJ Darren Fortes volunteered his time for the tailgate and DECA advisors cooked up trays full of hotdogs and hamburgers. 

“The tailgate used to just be club members,” Osley said. “But we decided it’d be better if we brought the whole school together.”

DECA is a vocationally-oriented sales and marketing program for high school students who take several classes in marketing, promotion, sales and financial literacy. These students also fundraise for various community projects and compete with other DECA clubs across the country.

“These kids are our future leaders,” said DECA Advisor Joe Franco. “It’s my first year with the program and I’m constantly impressed by everything these kids do.”

Franco added that during each home game this year, DECA students will help fight hunger by collecting donations for the nonprofit organization Coins for Kids.

“These students are incredibly driven,” he said. “They do everything they can to promote a sense of community and collaboration in our school.”

The club will participate in its first district conference on Jan. 8 in Boston.

For more information, visit warehamdeca.weebly.com.