DECA competitions include about 25 different events. Each competitor completes a written exam and then performs a series of role plays, where students are given a scenario and have just 10 minutes to develop a solution before presenting to a judge. The following Penfield students participated in a wide range of events, rising to the challenge and delivering exceptional performances:

• Zach Bunce and Gus Petersen (Entrepreneurship) - 1st Place Overall, Top 10 in Role Play, Top 10 in Test
• Sophia Cipro (Sports & Entertainment Marketing) - 1st Place Overall and Top 10 in Role Plays
• Kaelyn Wake (Accounting Applications) - 4th Place Overall, Top 10 in Role Plays
• Daniel Wright (Marketing Communications) - 5th Place Overall, Top 10 in Role Plays
• Alivia Domenico (Retail Merchandising) - 7th Place Overall, Top 10 in Role Plays
• Alan Levin (Human Resource Management) - 6th Place Overall, Top 10 in Role Plays
• Dante Crump (Principles of Finance) - Top 10 in Test

Students prepare for DECA by building foundational knowledge and skills through business courses offered at PHS. They also meet weekly after school to practice role plays and work through sample exam questions. In December, students participated in a regional competition, and those who placed in the top five in their respective events advanced to states. From states in Rochester, they now move on to the International Career Development Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia in late April.

“These results reflect countless hours of preparation, strong leadership, and impressive drive,” said Raymond Zajac, advisor for DECA and a business teacher at PHS. “Our students represented Penfield with professionalism and pride.”