With the 67th Annual Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference quickly approaching, Nashoba students are in full preparation; practicing with mock role-plays and exams, memorizing presentations, and attending after-school meetings. This year, an impressive 97 students have qualified for this event and are looking forward to the competitive nature and fun-filled weekend.
From March 12-14th, these students will head to the Seaport in Boston, competing against over 13,000 members for a spot at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta later in April. To help students adequately prepare for competition, Advisors Mr. Andreopoulos and Ms. Norton turned classrooms into mock presentation rooms, allowing students to fine-tune their business plans with professional advice in a stress-free environment. Beyond Mock, Nashoba’s Chapter Officers have been hard at work as well. CEO Dulcie Chrystall-Dubois states, “We are switching gears to assemble our raffle basket, which is a requirement of all chapters competing at States. Other than that, we are handling some housekeeping items, like preparing the DECA T-shirts and sponsorships.” These behind-the-scenes efforts reflect the level of responsibility that comes with leadership within the Nashoba DECA chapter.
From the perspective of written events, the preparation necessary for high-level competition is clear. These events require a well-developed business or research plan, as well as a confident presentation of these ideas to a panel of judges. CFO Katerina Davis shares, “I am preparing by practicing how to clearly explain our decisions and coordinating with my partner to be fully ready for presentation.” Her approach can be seen throughout Nashoba’s chapter, emphasizing the commitment and overall professionalism showcased by students and their work.
Success within the Nashoba DECA chapter is nothing new. Strong standards were set when, last year, over 30 members advanced to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, with multiple groups qualifying for the final round. With several of those national competitors returning to SCDC, anticipation and expectations are high as students look to build on that momentum. CMO Olivia Edmond says, “I’m excited to compete and get to eat out with my friends after.” Her comment highlights an additional side of DECA that students equally value: making meaningful memories with teammates outside of competing. The celebrations and hard work that are intertwined with DECA make the journey even more rewarding.
In the coming weeks, advisors and officers look forward to seeing how students continue to prepare for the Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference. They are hopeful to see many competitors make it to the next big step by qualifying for ICDC and taking home DECA glass.
