DECA ends the year on a high note

By Maddi Achtyl

DECA wrapped up the academic year with a trip to San Francisco for one last conference, bringing home multiple top 10 finishes.

Members and advisors from Stonehill’s chapter attended the Collegiate ICDC—the International Career Development Conference—from April 5 to 8.

Over 1,300 college students, accompanied by their DECA advisors, traveled to the West Coast to compete against other individuals and collegiate teams to demonstrate their business and professional understanding in various business-related categories.

DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is an international organization that serves students at the high school and college levels, aiming to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for college and their future careers.

The highest achievement you can earn in DECA is “glass,” which is presented to those who place in the top three in each category. Stonehill has only ever had seven team or individual events win glass.

Thirty-five Stonehill students who had fulfilled the chapter’s community service and attendance requirements attended the event to compete in the conference.

The conference had two days of competition, during which members were given a case study and had to prepare a 15-minute presentation. One day was for professional development, where students participated in workshops and listened to guest speakers.

This year, Stonehill had 12 members make it to the finals, which is the top 15 teams or individuals in every category. Out of the 12 that made it to the finals, four individuals finished in the top 10 in four different categories, and three students won glass.

Photo Credit: Stonehill DECA Instagram

Seniors Lucas Pushard and Lucy Frenette placed second in Event Planning, while freshman Christopher Surdoval placed third in Sales Management and Leadership.

Surdoval reflected on winning third place, “It was an honor to do it as a freshman in the first place, and I would not have been able to do this without all the guidance of everyone in the chapter. The whole team is what pushed me to do this and prepared me to win.”

Stonehill’s DECA Chapter has worked tirelessly all year to prepare for the conference. Members complete case studies during meetings and on their own time, which are judged by the e-board members. All members must complete at least 10 case studies during the academic year in preparation for the ICDC.

“My main priority in my position as President is to ensure all of our members are prepared for our conferences and post-grad careers,” said Keiran Leary ‘25, chapter president.

This year, the chapter was also recognized by the state of Massachusetts for having a record number of competing members in collegiate DECA and was also recognized as a top-ten chapter internationally.

“We are very grateful for our advisors, Michael Sale and Renee Bernier, for all they have done to help us prepare for this opportunity. Their mentorship is valued throughout our chapter,” said Leary.