In December 2023, 700 students across the region competed in over 25 events at RIT for the Region 10 Competition. Among them, five AQ students placed in team and individual events: • Grace Conlan ’26 and Alexandra West ’26 secured 4th place in Business Law and Ethics. • John Swiderski ’24 clinched 1st place in Food Marketing. • Carson Clar ‘24 achieved 4th place in Automotive Services. • Antonio Maneiro ’28 earned 4th place in Principals of Business Administration (Antonio was our first eighth grader and the only eighth grader at the conference!) • Additionally, 17 students qualified for written events at the State Career Conference. In February 2024, our DECA chapter actively participated in our Reddi for Teddi community service campaign, raising over $1,300 for Camp Good Days and Happy Times. Collaborating with the Core Team and NHS, students organized a middle school carnival day and dance for the high schoolers. From March 6 – 8, 2024, we had 22 students compete against 3,000 DECA members across NY state at the State Career Conference (SCC). Our students spent three days competing, networking, bonding, and attending leadership workshops led by keynote speakers from around the world. Our students achieved remarkable success, with several medal winners and qualifiers for the International Career and Development Conference (ICDC): • John Swiderski ‘24 – 1st place in Food Marketing. • Riley Madigan ‘26 – 2nd place in Principals of Hospitality and Tourism, as well as achieving the highest role-play score at the conference. • Noah Walker ’25 and Carson Clar ‘24 – Top 10 role-play medalists. • Owen Shannon ‘27 – Top 10 role-play medalist & top 10 overall medalist. From April 26 – May 1, 2024, our two medalists, John Swiderski and Riley Madigan, advanced to the ICDC in Anaheim, California, where 25,000 students and advisors gathered to compete. Both students competed against 300 students from around the world. John placed within the top 20 role-play medals and was the first AQ student in over eight years to be an ICDC finalist. Apart from the competition, students participated in leadership workshops and brainstormed ideas for the future of AQ DECA. For their dedication and hard work this year, our students explored Disneyland, Universal Studios, and some California beaches, enjoying the opportunity to meet others who share their passion for DECA. This year also marked the establishment of the Middle School DECA chapter. We had 52 students from grades 6 to 8 participate in fundraising, community service, and marketing activities. These students received an introduction to high school DECA and careers in business, sparking the creation of our mentor program between the high school and middle school students. The program helps to foster relationships between the varying age groups. These students have embraced the challenge of DECA, and we are excited about the future of this chapter. Students interested in joining next year’s 2024 – 2025 chapter can sign up in September. While it is recommended to have taken or be enrolled in a business class, it is not required. Students will fill out a commitment form and pay $50 for yearly dues. For any questions, students can speak with Brayden Lennox ‘25, high school DECA president, or Alexandra West ‘26, middle school DECA president. 34 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024 school news AQ DECA’S DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, nance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. At Aquinas DECA, we incorporate Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge to prepare leaders for a future in business as well as develop networking skills to better serve our community. Banner Year
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