This month, Gloucester High School’s DECA Chapter traveled to Boston, MA to compete in the Massachusetts State Career Development Conference. They had two students who placed in the top five in their categories, seniors Eliana Faria and Chiara O’Connor, who will be moving onto the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). 

Additionally, DECA had 17 students who were competing at the state level along with their advisor, Ms. Simmons, and Ms. De Oliveira, who served as a chaperone. The four unclassmen representing GHS were John Tavares, Brady Patten, Chris Karvlas, and Quade Bonds. 

Gloucester also had a strong showing of upperclassmen with 6 juniors and 7 seniors who traveled to Boston for this State Conference. Emma Allen, Sean Bergin, Skye Howes, Tolulola Olubanjo, Grace Topouzoglou, and Camilla Wilkens-Bowens were the group of juniors who competed in Boston. 

Daniel Beaton, Kira Berlin, Emily Corrao, Eliana Faria, Dakota De Oliveira, Cameron MacDonald, and Chiara O’Connor were a part of the senior class that had an opportunity to go to states in their last year of being a part of DECA.

Gloucester had 2 students who placed in the top 5 in their business categories. Faria placed 2nd in her category, Financial Consulting, and qualified for ICDC’s for the second time. Chiara O’Connor also qualified for this event, placing 1st in the Hospitality Tourism Professional Selling category. 

The team of Dakota De Oliveira and Cameron MacDonald placed 16th in the Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Category. Sean Bergin also individually placed 7th in the Professional Selling category. 

“I had some big shoes to fill as Mrs. Ann Grassetti left her position as GHS DECA advisor after 25 years,” said DECA chapter advisor, Ms. Simmons. “GHS DECA members benefited from going to SCDC in several ways. Members participated in competition and leadership activities, enjoyed entertainment, such as keynote speakers and various performances. Approximately 200 judges from the community and business volunteers contributed their time to make the day a success.”

Ms. Simmons is very proud of her DECA members. “GHS Deca members had the opportunity to win medals and trophies and advance to the International Career Development Conference,” she said. “I look forward to accompanying Eliana Faria to ICDC this April.”

The International Career Development Conference will be held on the weekend of April 23 until the 26th. This will take place in Atlanta, Georgia and Eliana Faria will finally be able to attend internationals. With the cancellation of ICDC’s last year due to COVID-19, Faria is a two time qualifier who is looking forward to competing in this prestigious conference her senior year. 

“Getting to compete at ICDC this year feels absolutely surreal,” said GHS DECA President Eliana Faria. “Despite having booked both my hotel and flight, I’m in denial that this competition is even happening. I had grown so accustomed to virtual/canceled ICDC competitions that I had never considered the possibility of an in-person international competition this year. I’m absolutely ecstatic that I get to end my senior year with a trip to Atlanta, Georgia.”

“DECA has played such a big role in shaping me into the person I am today. Competing in this club has helped me acquire strength and confidence that I never even knew existed. My participation as a DECA member these past 4 years has led me to develop a love for a business.” Faria said. 

She looks to continue her career in business/finance related education as she stated, “I intend to pursue business further by majoring in finance in college. I joined the club as a shy, soft spoken freshman, but now I get to leave it as a confident young woman. DECA has taught me how to believe in myself and trust my abilities on a district, state, and international level.”

Lastly, we’d like to thank the Gloucester Education Foundation for their help in funding this event. We appreciate everything you do for our students and with your assistance, we are able to give our students this amazing opportunity to expand their business knowledge and have some very valuable interactions with other successful businessmen and women.