The air in the convention hall hummed with the nervous energy of 3,000 aspiring professionals. Among them, 51 members of our DECA members stood ready, clutching polished presentations and adjusted blazers. These students were not just attending a meeting; they were stepping into the high-stakes world of international business.
From Workshops to Winners
From Wednesday, March 4, 2026, to Friday, March 6, 2026, students engaged in rigorous individual role-play events, presentation categories, and written exams. Between competitions, they attended leadership workshops and networked with peers from across New York State. The dedication shown through months of planning and studying was evident as our students gained new technical skills and professional confidence.
Celebrating Excellence
The district is proud to announce that nine of our students earned top honors for their exceptional performance:
- Christian Ventura – Sports & Entertainment Marketing: Top 10 Role Play 2
- Andrew Romance – Financial Consulting: Top 10 Presentation and Top 10 Overall
- Zara Mir – Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling: Top 10 Presentation and Top 10 Overall
- Emma Nivar and Leo Scardina – Innovation Plan: Top 10 Overall
- Anna Carle and Giuliana Depascale – Community Giving Project: Top 10 Overall
Looking Toward Atlanta
The journey continues for two of our standout performers. Elise Kelly and Emma Kelly secured 4th Place in New York State for their Community Giving Project. This achievement earns them a spot at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We look forward to seeing our students represent the district on the global stage as they continue to build the foundations of their future careers.