Connecticut DECA hosted a virtual state conference this year for the first time, modifying a usually-packed event at the Aqua Turf Club. With over 58 chapters and 2,500 student competitors and advisors, Connecticut DECA kept students engaged and more inspired than ever during the historic virtual competition.
Granby Memorial High School DECA is in its sixth year as a registered chapter under the leadership of business teachers Jeff Stanwood and Sue Clark.
GMHS students/advisors receiving recognition at the state level were:
Noah Kroninger, grade 11, first place for Startup Business Plan; Alexis Klein, grade 12, first place for Integrated Marketing Campaign-Product; Ashley Coon, grade 12, and Devyn Jennings, grade 11, first place for Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making.
Katie Psutka, grade 12, Alexa Bajek and Isabella Garbeck, both grade 11, second place for Business Service Operations Research; Juliette Marzo, grade 11, second place for Hotel and Lodging Management Series.
Natalie Ehrenwerth, Natalie Scanlon and Ally McDonald, all grade 11, third place for Franchise Business Plan; Dylan Totten, Will Pagliaro and Elliot Plourde, all grade 12, third place for Innovation Plan; Lucas Scoto, grade 9, fifth place finalist for Principles of Business Management and Administration.
This year the chapter had 27 high achieving members. Every member of the chapter completed and submitted a video recording on the state competition days of March 2 and 3. Just a week later, a video awards ceremony was held and 14 of the 27 members placed and are eligible to compete in the National Competition in mid-April.
During the school year, approximately 120,000 of DECA’s 210,000 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, this year taking place online during two weeks in April.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. For more information about DECA, please visit our website and to see the conversation from this year’s conference follow #DECAICDC on Twitter using the handle @GMHS_DECA.
