This year’s DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) was held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, March 4th through 6th. The group was met with much success, with over a dozen Hills DECA-teers becoming national finalists, headed to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) event. The theme for this year’s conference was “Surge!”
The DECA team often has to think on their feet, both during and in preparation for the competition. Junior Tristan Casella, who placed sixth in Business Law and Ethics with his partner Brady Dransfield, explains, “[We] established a visual to help portray our stance for our roleplay and we forgot it on the way in. We drew a quick sketch last minute before we went in, showing it to our judge and presenting our roleplay that would get us to the finalist round.” Despite the last-minute adjustments, Dransfield shared that “Meeting new people, getting them interested, and being able to spend time together as a chapter was a great experience.”
Several RIH DECA students earned state leadership positions for the upcoming competition year. Casella comments, “I ran for State Officer and while at first intimidated to meet all 17 other people who also wanted a spot, it was incredibly worth it in the end. […] just getting to know people was so valuable, honestly making leaving and having to get elected over others such a more heartbreaking yet valuable experience.” Casella ultimately earned the Northern Region Vice President position for the 2024-2025 school year. Likewise, Simrin Anand, Ramapo junior, earned 2024-2025 State President of NJ DECA.“When Tristan and Simrin were elected to the NJ State Officer Team, our entire chapter stood up and cheered,” says Nicholas Chiarmonte, IHHS DECA Club President. “It was a really rewarding experience and I am grateful that I was able to be part of it.”
The group spent time bonding together during the little free time they had at the hotel, making it a fun experience for those involved. Senior Christopher Morrison, who placed 7th in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, said, “The community [and] everyone around made the event so enjoyable.” Junior Isabella Saldano, who placed first in Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product Place, agrees, saying that“being with my friends” and improving “communication skills” were the best parts of the conference.
Chiarmonte said that he values his experience in DECA because “I think it will forever help me in my presentation, leadership, and marketing skills. Being President at Hills has been so rewarding and has helped me learn how to manage and delegate tasks to the rest of our officers and build a chapter that has been so amazing.” Students who responded to the survey put out by Drumbeats stated that developing their business skills, taking part in trips, and the competitive elements of DECA are the aspects of the club that they value the most.
Overall, 11 groups placed for the international competition, two students received NJ DECA scholarships, two students earned leadership roles, and RIH DECA was voted Chapter of the Year. The individual and group achievements prove the chapter’s continued upward trajectory. The DECA International Career Development Conference will be taking place in Anaheim, California, from April 27th through 30th.
