From his first introduction to DECA as a freshman to becoming the Pennsylvania DECA State President, Jackson (Jack) Falk’s journey is one of passion, growth, and leadership. Jack's path in DECA started when he learned about the organization at Norristown Area High School's student club fair. Drawn in by the exciting prospect of traveling to Disney for DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC), Jack's initial curiosity soon evolved into a deep commitment to the organization. His first trip to Disney was just the beginning of what would become an incredibly impactful journey.
Throughout his time in DECA, Jack became involved in a variety of community service projects. His passion for connecting with others and contributing to his community has been one of the cornerstones of his experience. He describes his time with the Norristown chapter as "significant," noting,
“DECA gave me a chance to develop my leadership skills, but it also allowed me to collaborate with peers who shared my interests in business and service. It’s been an incredible opportunity to grow alongside so many driven individuals.”
Jack’s involvement expanded when he joined the 2024-2025 Pennsylvania DECA State Officer Team. During his sophomore year, he earned a role as Vice President of Member Development, where he worked to foster membership growth and recognize outstanding chapters throughout Pennsylvania.
“It was an eye-opening experience to see how passionate other chapters were, and I was excited to contribute to their success,” he recalls.
At the most recent State Conference, Jack successfully campaigned for the position of Pennsylvania DECA State President for the 2025-2026 school year. The road to becoming President was challenging, with a test, essays, speeches, and campaigning, but Jack’s dedication and hard work ultimately led to his success.
When he begins his term as State President in July, Jack will focus on fostering effective communication within the team and ensuring all DECA members, regardless of their chapter size, have equal opportunities for success. One of his key goals is to bridge the gap between larger and smaller chapters, providing resources and sharing strategies that will allow all chapters to thrive. He is determined to bring significant change to Pennsylvania DECA and inspire other students to get involved.
Beyond DECA, Jack is an active member of the Norristown Area School District (NASD) Robotics Team, Best Buddies, Unified Bocce, and the National Honor Society. As he looks ahead to his senior year, Jack effectively balances his extracurricular activities with his academic responsibilities by planning ahead, adjusting his course load, and staying focused on his long-term goals.
For Jack, the most rewarding part of his DECA experience has been the connections he’s made. Whether through working with his team of state officers or bonding with members at events, Jack has found great value in the relationships he’s built. Looking forward, Jack plans to continue developing his leadership skills and aspires to study business management or entrepreneurship in college.
Jack’s journey with DECA is a testament to his dedication, growth, and the lasting impact he hopes to make. His leadership as PA DECA State President is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where his hard work and passion will take him next.