MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA (Photo) Manchester Essex Regional High School’s DECA Chapter recently attended the District Conference and were recognized for excellence. 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.
On Thursday, Jan. 11, 90 students traveled to Endicott College to participate in the District Conference, and 61 students qualified for the state competition.
In preparation for the conference, participants take an in-school exam and present to a judge at the competition. MERHS students have been preparing for this event throughout the year.
Students who participate in DECA have received a unique opportunity to hone key critical thinking and communication skills that align with the Vision of the Graduate. Competitors must draw appropriate conclusions, be mindful of audience interpretation, express ideas in a purposeful and confident manner, and be able to present to a variety of audiences.
“I am very proud of all students who participated; the skills honed will prove invaluable as they continue on their educational and career journeys,” said Business Teacher and DECA Advisor Barrett Alston.
MERHS students recognized at the conference include:
- Annaleigha Akerley, Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
- Madilyn Cook, Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making
- Colin Conway, Hospitality Services Team Decision Making
- Charlotte Crocker, Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making
- Talya Erdogan, Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
- Elizabeth Lawler, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event
“The enthusiasm around DECA has grown largely in part to Mr. Alston, who has been instrumental in helping his students achieve,” said MERHS Principal Julie Sgroi. “I look forward to watching this program grow and to see how far our students can go in the upcoming competitions. We are so proud of their accomplishments.”
The DECA State Competition will be held in March.
“Congratulations to our students who recently participated in the DECA District Conference,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “These students worked hard in the classroom to prepare, and those who have advanced to the highly competitive state competition will have further opportunity to compete and develop their analytical and public speaking skill sets.”
