When DECA president Dave Herrera, a senior, sashayed down the catwalk at the opening of the Shoppes at Knollwood, he said it was something he had never experienced before.

“It was interesting with modeling,” Herrera said. “It was something different and that I have never done before.”

Herrera said the main attraction of the event was the Real People of St. Louis Park fashion show, which showcased people of all ages and sizes.

“I think it was just kind of to let people know that the new Knollwood is opening and they have more stores,” Herrera said. “I think it was a great idea and people did show up.”

In addition to modeling clothes from the newly opened stores, DECA adviser Sophia Ross said members helped out the organizers of the event.

“What DECA did is we recruited models during the fashion show for the grand opening, along with volunteers to pass out gift bags and swag bags,” Ross said.

DECA members were invited to help organize the reopening by Nancy Whitelaw, president of Highland Innovations Inc. She said she included DECA members in order to increase teenage awareness of the opening.

“I wanted to involve the students in the community because they love to shop at Knollwood,” Whitelaw said. “It seemed like a match to reach out to (Ross) to work with new students on this type of event.”

Herrera said the event brought people to Knollwood and raised awareness about DECA.

“I feel like the community doesn’t know what DECA is,” Herrera said. “It’s great to be able to get DECA’s name out there.”

The reopening of the newly remodeled Shoppes at Knollwood took place May 9 in celebration of new clothing, home, dining and beauty stores.

Jamie Halper