Connecticut DECA saw a record number of students from all around the state compete for awards and scholarships as emerging leaders and entrepreneurs at this year’s Career Development Conference on March 5 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. GMHS students and advisors receiving recognition at the state level were:
John Grindal, grade 12, second place for professional selling
David Migliaccio, grade 12, second place for automotive services marketing
Alessandra Boffi, grade 11, third place for entrepreneurship
Andrew Quagliaroli, grade 11, first place state officer for financial consulting
Erin Moody, grade 12, third place for financial consulting
Jacob Ivanov, grade 10, finalist for principles of finance
Jaira Paine, grade 11, finalist for retail merchandising series
Juliette Marzo, grade 9 and Ashley Coon, grade 10, finalists for travel and tourism team decision making
Marile Marzo and Jenna Dauria, grade 12, finalists for buying and merchandising team decision making
Jillian Thrall, grade 11, “Thrive Academy,” for emerging leader series
Daniel Litin, grade 11, “Thrive Academy,” for emerging leader series
Granby Memorial High School DECA is in its fourth year as a registered chapter under the leadership of business teachers Jeff Stanwood and Sue Clark. This year the chapter experienced growth with 44 members and counting. Twenty-nine GMHS students made the trip to the state conference, and six will represent the chapter at the nationals in Orlando, Fla., April 26 to May 1.
During the school year, approximately 120,000 of DECA’s 219,000 student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local and international titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development. The top state and provincial winners put their talents to the test during the program’s final round of competition at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Approximately 18,000 students from 12 countries will compete for $500,000 in scholarships and awards and hone their 21st Century skills by participating in career-based competition. DECA members are not only prepared academically but will also engage in leadership academies and networking opportunities with over 60 internationally recognized corporate business partners.