Essex Tech Peabody, Salem Students Shine At DECA Conference

PEABODY, MA — A Peabody sophomore was one of seven Essex Tech students who finished in the top 12 of their respective categories — and one of two to qualify for the upcoming International Conference — at the recent DECA State Career Development Conference in Boston.

Shaylla Fazolo, a sophomore from Peabody, qualified in Professional Selling Event, along with Gabrielle Guimaraes, a senior from Haverhill, in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event, for the International Career Development Conference on April 23-26 in Atlanta.

"We have watched as our students have learned and grown, both individually and as a team," Essex Tech DECA Advisor Joseph Giordano said. "DECA has led them to be stronger in creativity, problem-solving, and self-direction and motivation, all critical skills they will use wherever life takes them."

Five other Essex Tech students were recognized for finishing in the top 12 in their respective categories.

Ella Anderson, a junior from Gloucester, and Sophia Luchini and Alexia Luchini, both juniors, from Salem, were recognized for Start Up Business Plan. Jessica Donald, a senior from Methuen, was recognized for Principles of Hospitality and Tourism. Divanni Fernandez, a junior from Salem, was recognized for Professional Selling Event.

DECA, a nonprofit business and marketing student organization, works with high schools and colleges to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

This year, more than 4,000 students from across the state participated in 60 competitions across the state to qualify for the Boston conference.

"Congratulations to Shaylla and Gabrielle. It is an honor to have two students to qualify for the International Conference," Essex Tech Superintendent Heidi Riccio said. "The competition was fierce, but each of our students performed well and learned many valuable lessons."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)