WHS DECA members punch tickets to international competition

2026 WHS DECA at the Aqua Turf to compete in the state competition.

By Adeena Aijaz '28
The Distributive Education Clubs of America, better known as DECA, is a business organization with chapters located throughout the world. Wethersfield High School is lucky enough to have a chapter right here on campus.
As DECA advisor Heather Sweeney tells students interested in joining the competitive club, she believes DECA helps students in “learning social skills and different aspects outside of the classroom”. DECA serves as a gateway for teenagers to discover how to apply their education to the real world. Current members displayed those skills while competing in the State Career Development Conference (SCDC) this past week.


Members traveled to the Aqua Turf Club to compete for a spot at the main event of the year: the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). All members spend months of their personal time crafting presentations for their chosen events, hoping to land in the top three and earn a ticket to ICDC.
DECA competitions cover many categories focusing on the core of business, including marketing, innovation and business plans. These are presented in different ways; some require an exam, while others are "role-plays" where students are given a scenario on the spot and have 10 minutes to prepare. However, the most prevalent method is the classic presentation using a creative slideshow or poster board.


Over the course of the 12-hour event, members presented the hard work they have been developing since September. During the awards ceremony, students finally found out if they qualified for internationals. This year, seniors Philip and Isabella Korzinski placed first in their respective category, and senior Jessica Basroon placed third, earning them all a spot at ICDC in Atlanta. Furthermore, through the Wethersfield DECA leaders program, two more students will be chosen to attend.


“I would say presentation skills,” said co-presidents and seniors Ari Nash and Paxton Smith when asked about the most important attribute of the club. DECA competitions embody this, as every event requires presenting in front of a judge.


Sweeney added that confidence is vital and makes DECA the important organization it is.
Joining DECA is highly recommended for every Wethersfield High School Eagle. Whether it is to improve presentation skills, gain confidence or expand on skills outside of math, science and history, the club pushes students to their limits. As the DECA slogan promotes this year, “Go the Extra.”


If you are interested in joining, visit Sweeney in Room 217; meetings are held every Monday. Congratulations to all members on a great season!

---