From March 4th to the 6th, Ramapo participated in a DECA meeting held in Atlantic City. The Distributive Education Clubs of America, or DECA, conference brought great triumph yet again to the school. Seniors Gabriella Vona & Amelia Keogh were awarded first place, followed by Simrin Anand, who achieved third, and sophomore Annabel Landers, who placed fifth. The DECA advisor, Ms. Fanale, comments, “These students competed against the Best of the Best in the state of New Jersey and rose to the top!” The Ramapo students above qualified for the international competition, which will take place in Anaheim, California, in April of this year. The entire school congratulates DECA on their incredible achievements!
The Distributive Education Clubs of America is a club that gives students topics such as marketing, finance, hospitality, and management and asks them to find solutions competitively against other schools at a state level, then eventually reaching the international level. Once presented with a topic, the student presents their solutions, leaving the judges to evaluate their performance based on professionalism, creativity, and communication skills. It gives leadership opportunities and other business knowledge and networking skills. “DECA allows students to show strengths in a competitive business environment,” Ms. Fanale says, “I am so proud to have so many successful students win this year at our State Competition.”
Simirn Anand, president of DECA, campaigned and was successfully elected to the state Officer Board for New Jersey DECA during his junior year at Ramapo. The elected board comprises seven people responsible for leading more than 11,000 members around New Jersey. Anand comments on his DECA experience, “I look forward to serving as the State President this upcoming year. I am incredibly honored to be given this amazing opportunity.” Anand also comments and shows gratitude to his peers, “I would not have been able to do it without the help and support of the Ramapo DECA members.”
The Ramapo community congratulates all DECA participants and wishes Gabriella Vona, Amelia Keogh, Simir Anand, and Annabel Landers luck at nationals!
