The Wilmington High School chapter of DECA had 22 Top 10 Finishers in this past weekend’s 54th DECA State Career Development Conference. It was held in Boston, March 14-16, and had over 1700 DECA members and chapter advisors in attendance representing approximately sixty schools throughout the Commonwealth.
DECA is the only international student organization operating through the nation's schools to attract young people to Careers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Its purposes are (1) to develop a respect for education which will contribute to occupational competence, and (2) to promote understanding and appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship in our free, competitive enterprise system. The purpose of the MASS-DECA Career Development Conference is to provide worthwhile activities to assist students in career development as they prepare to be the business leaders of tomorrow. There are almost 100 exciting activities throughout the conference, all planned and designed for this development.
Winners of the State Competition are qualified to compete and participate in DECA’s International Competition being held this year in Anaheim, CA in April.
Students receiving awards and recognition include:
Erik Alatalo, 1st Place Retail Merchandising
Brian Priem, 1st Place Quiz Bowl
Top 10 Finishers and Individual Test Medal Winners in their respective categories:
Rachel Alatalo, Retail Marketing
Katie Barry, Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Hannah Brown, Principles of Hospitality
Ryan Kennedy and Andrew Sears, Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team
Eva Nesline, Principles of Hospitality
Holly Niemiec and Melissa O’Donoghue, Hospitality Marketing Team
Peter Warren, Automotive Services Marketing
Additional Top 10 Finishers:
Brendan Ahern, Business Finance
Dan Fothergill, Quick Serve Restaurant Marketing
Kevin Goncalves, Marketing Management
Colleen Good, Quick Serve Restaurant Marketing
Ron Judkins, Principles of Business
Dan Lee and Anthony Vitale, Buying and Merchandising Team
Andrew Labao, Entrepreneurship Participating, Independent Business
Kellie MacDougall, Automotive Services Marketing
Megan Priem, Human Resources Management
DJ Weaver, Business Finance
Additionally, the following students were recognized for achieving National Competency in their DECA competitive category: Chloe Castellano, Colin Chase, Jeff Favuzza, Andrew Hoang, Michael Marinella, Arthur Papastathis, Sam Pitzi, Bridget Sullivan, Maeve Sullivan, Stephanie Sullivan, Dan Tetreault, Heather Trites. Kiley Burke received National Competency and a medal for her individual test performance.
Wilmington DECA is sponsoring the Harlem Superstars on April 4th at Burlington High School to help defray the costs of attending competition and encourage all town members to purchase tickets at the Town Hall Recreation Department and enjoy the show being held at Burlington High School. Businesses are encouraged to contact the WHS DECA advisor and Business Teacher, Krista Anderson krista.anderson@wilmington.k12.ma.us to make donations or sponsor a student at this competition.
