Cherry Hill High School East Students Dominate the Regionals DECA Competition
January 29, 2018
Congrats to all of the state qualifiers. Remember DECA States will be Feb 27-March 1 in Atlantic City. Paper work will be forthcoming. pic.twitter.com/tOaij6uoFS
— CH East DECA (@CHE_DECA) January 10, 2018
It’s trophy time in C103 during LB1 & LB2. Come pick up your regional conference awards! pic.twitter.com/u6K8BheW0n
— CH East DECA (@CHE_DECA) January 22, 2018
New Jersey DECA, a highly competitive business competition, tests high schoolers in all grades what their skill in marketing lies. Their mission is “to prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe” (NJDECA.org).
About 100 East students went to the Crowne Plaza on Monday, January 8 to show off what they prepared since the beginning of
the year, using six buses. The result were stupendous, with over 60 students advancing to the state conference. The business teachers at East, Mrs. Friedman, Mr. Dewolf, and Shine are involved in this program, helping the students prepare. Students who already took or currently taking a business class are eligible for DECA.
The students, ranging from grades nine to twelve, are able to work either as a group or individually, depending on the event. Monah Pintel (‘21) received first place in hospitality travel and tourism team decision making category with Emma Sklar (‘21).
DECA gives students hands on experience with what many business meetings and interviews will be like. Being able to communicate well with others is a crucial part of life, and DECA provides that opportunity to learn and expand on your knowledge.
— Monah Pintel
Pintel said that DECA was a “great way to meet new people with similar interests and make amazing friends.”
Students prepare at home by going online and finding practice tests and role plays. However, the business teachers always help the students along the way.
Pintel said, “DECA gives students hands on experience with what many business meetings and interviews will be like. Being able to communicate well with others is a crucial part of life, and DECA provides that opportunity to learn and expand on your knowledge.”
The students can choose between numerous categories, including Travel and Tourism, Entrepreneurship, Sports Marketing, Entertainment, Business Law, Business Finance, and Food Marketing Series.
The DECA students went to the Crowne Plaza on assigned buses and were given specific times to present their role plays. Each category was in a specific section in the hotel, so students waited together until it was time for them to present. Chaperones and the teachers helped in organizing the event, so that the students present smoothly and not get lost.
Priti Lohita received 8th place in Food Marketing.
Lohita said, “Before my role plays, I was really anxious but it was a really good experience since I’m interested in business. I can definitely see myself doing this for the next 3 years!”
However, at the regional conference, there was a slight issue about the awards. Due to weather conditions, they had to cancel the awards ceremony. Therefore, the awards were given at the school, where students picked them up.
The event resulted with many students receiving various places, as well as special awards, such as the instructional award. Students that receive 12th place and up for the individual events advance to states. Students that receive 6th place and up for the team events advance to the state conference.
The state conference will be from February 27 to March 1, at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack
