Thirteen Brentwood High School students have earned the chance to compete at the DECA State Career Conference (SCC) in Rochester this spring, a prestigious event that draws thousands of student leaders from across New York State. The students qualified by excelling at regional competitions, demonstrating skill, creativity and professionalism in a variety of business-related challenges.

At the SCC, students don’t just sit through lectures, they step into real-world business scenarios. They might present a marketing plan for a startup, pitch a financial strategy to a panel of judges, or solve a hospitality management problem under time pressure. Each competition simulates a workplace environment, testing students’ critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills in a high-stakes, fast-paced setting.

DECA is a national co-curricular organization for students interested in business, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. The organization operates through local chapters, which feed into regional competitions; top performers at the regionals advance to the state conference. Exceptional competitors from the state level can then qualify for DECA’s National Career Development Conference, where students from across the country compete and connect with business leaders.

This experience allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges, gaining practical skills and confidence before graduation. From crafting business strategies to presenting solutions to industry professionals, DECA members graduate not only with knowledge but with experience in leadership, problem-solving, and professional communication – skills that set them apart in college and careers.

Congratulations to the below students who earned qualification in the following competitive event categories:

Independent Business Plan
Noel Escobar (Grade 11)
Christian Arriaza (Grade 12)
Isaiah Wade (Grade 11)

Principles of Entrepreneurship
James Baker (Grade 11)

Franchise Business Plan
Elizabeth Avila (Grade 11)
Sophia Agredo (Grade 11)
Gianni Colonna (Grade 11)

Financial Consulting- Professional Selling 
Raja Humza (Grade 11)

Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series
Anthony Kaler (Grade 11)

Apparel & Accessories Marketing Series
Alejandra Obregon (Grade 11)

Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product
Jenifer Pereira (Grade 12)
Williams Mendoza (Grade 12)

Professional Selling- Marketing Communications 
Brianna Frias (Grade 10)