LHS DECA TEAM FOUNDERS, from left, Rori Caprio, Addison Munion and Gianna Micielli shined during the recent DECA District 6 Career Development Conference in Danvers, and qualified for the state conference in Boston next month. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Nine Lynnfield High School students have qualified for DECA’s state conference in late February and early March.
LHS business teacher Matt Dobbins stated in an email sent to the Villager that LHS launched its first DECA team this year.
“DECA is a co-curricular organization of high school students that focuses on developing transferable skills for college and careers, building self-esteem, cultivating leadership and stressing community involvement,” said Dobbins, who is the team’s advisor. “The DECA program is in its inaugural year.”
Dobbins said that nine students qualified for the State Career Development Conference in Boston during the recent DECA District 6 Career Development Conference held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Danvers.
“The Lynnfield DECA team delivered an outstanding performance at their first DECA District Career Development Conference, with nine students qualifying for the State Conference,” said Dobbins. “Competing in a dynamic event that included over 50 categories across marketing, hospitality, finance and entrepreneurship, Lynnfield DECA made a strong impression among the 14 schools and nearly 1,000 students in attendance.”
Junior Nandana Nishanth finished first in the Accounting Applications Series competition. Junior Addison Munion placed first in Business Services Marketing competition. Junior Siri Tudi finished first in the Hotel and Lodging Management competition. Junior Gianna Micieli placed first in the Human Resources Management competition.
LHS junior Marianna Axiotakis was first overall in the Principles of Entrepreneurship competition. Junior Rory Caprio placed second in the Business Services Marketing competition. Junior Lily Williams finished fifth in the Apparel and Accessories Marketing competition. Juniors Ava Cook and Aislin McCormack placed fifth in the Marketing Management Team Decision-Making competition.
“They hope to continue their success at the State Career Development Conference in Boston from Feb. 27–March 1,” said Dobbins. “The dedication and hard work of the Lynnfield DECA participants were celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony, where those who secured a top-five placement in their respective categories were recognized as state conference qualifiers.”
During the District 6 Career Development Conference, Dobbins said that the LHS DECA team’s members “took a 100-question test and then performed a role-play in front of judges.”
“Role-plays are common business scenarios where the student is asked to solve a problem and present their solution to the judge,” said Dobbins.
Dobbins said that the DECA team’s 17 students “showcased exceptional talent and determination, earning well-deserved recognition for their achievements” during the District 6 Career Development Conference.
“The Lynnfield DECA team expresses gratitude for the support from the school community, parents and faculty at the high school,” said Dobbins. “The DECA program’s success is a testament to the Lynnfield School District’s commitment to diligently preparing students today for the jobs of tomorrow.”
LHS Principal Tricia Puglisi said during the School Committee’s Jan. 14 meeting that the DECA team was formed after Rori, Addison and Gianna undertook a Civics Action Project last year that sought to expand the high school’s electives.
“They wanted to go visit some other high schools,” said Puglisi. “They went out and did that. They specifically focused in on DECA, and met with some DECA advisors and some kids who were involved with DECA. They came back and said we needed to have a DECA club. They worked with Mr. Dobbins and created something pretty amazing.”
Puglisi said DECA is “really focused on preparing future leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.”
“It is a competition based on those subject areas,” said Puglisi. “They did awesome for their first year.”
Puglisi requested that the School Committee approve the DECA team’s overnight trip to the State Career Development Conference in Boston in Boston.
“It’s a two-night trip to Boston where they will be interacting with thousands of other kids in the commonwealth,” said Puglisi.
Puglisi said the DECA team’s members will have the opportunity to qualify for the International Career Development Conference that will be held in Orlando, Florida later this year.
School Committee Chair Kristen Grieco Elworthy said it was exciting that nine LHS DECA team members qualified for the state conference. She asked how will the overnight trip be chaperoned.
Puglisi said Dobbins and one other chaperone will be overseeing the trip. She also said DECA has “very strict security” and “zero tolerance” for bad behavior.
“Having been involved with it in the past, it is a well-oiled machine,” said Puglisi.
School Committee member Jamie Hayman expressed his support for the new DECA team and the overnight trip.
“I also want to recognize the work that Mr. Dobbins has done,” said Hayman. “I have heard so many good things about DECA and the work that he does.”
Hayman asked how will the nine DECA team members get to the state conference in Boston.
Puglisi said she and Dobbins will be discussing the trip’s logistics. She said a bus will be transporting students to the conference in Boston, but they have yet to decide whether a bus or parents will pick up the students at the end of the conference.
The School Committee approved the DECA team’s overnight trip to the State Conference.