After a three-day conference in Atlantic City, the students will move on to the International Career and Development Conference in California.
The outstanding showing of ten Washington Township High School DECA students at the recent New Jersey DECA State Career and Development Conference has earned them the opportunity to compete in the International Career and Development Conference held in Anaheim, CA, in April. All told, 100 WTHS students earned a spot in the state competition after placing in the top 14 regionally.
“Our students gained valuable experience in an eventful three days in Atlantic City,” said WTHS teacher Alex McBride, who along with teacher Sara Simpson serves as DECA co-adviser. “The students attended learning labs in various business and career opportunities. We are extremely proud of them for their hard work, outstanding representation and showing, and excellent behavior throughout the conference.”
The 10 qualifying students included: Stephen Cozzone, first-place overall, and Allison Gracie, fourth-place overall in Professional Selling Event; Rob Minnick and Jon Dalesandro, fourth-place overall, in Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making; Taylor Crowley and Kade Cornelius, fourth-place overall in Marketing Management Team Decision Making; Frank Romean, third-place overall in Sports and Entertainment Marketing; Jaime Miller and Frank Romean for the State Community Service Paper, which raised $1,000 for New Eyes for the Needy; and Bridget Heist with Christina Franks in Promotion of School Store.
In addition to these 10 honorees, several other students received recognition for their performances. Anthony Scenna and Joe Rotella were named finalists and also earned a top scoring role-play. Sophomore Jonathon Miller also was a finalist and earned top role play accolades. Senior Patricia Espiritu earned top test honors in her event. Six students earned AHLEF Hospitality Industry Certification for earning a 70 or higher on their hospitality exam. Those students were: Haley Barnabei; Emily McKee; Kate Merrill; Ava Pisauro; Meghan Slough; and Nina Zandanel.
