IHA DECA traveled to Atlantic City from March 3-5 to compete at the N.J. DECA State Career Development Conference. A total of 71 IHA students competed in business, marketing, role-play, and prepared events against top students from across the state.

We are thrilled to announce several students who earned DECA Mini Awards, recognizing top exam or role-play scores in their events:

• Emerson Christman ’28 — Principles of Hospitality

• Vivienne Ujhely ’27 — Principles of Business Management

• Grace Higgins ’28, Nina Cardella ’28, Grace Handy ’28, Olivia Cirello ’28, Serena Vassak ’28, Madelyn O’Brien ’28, Riley Gowie ’28, Riley Mitchell ’28, and Andrea Valente ’28 — Integrated Marketing Campaign

Students who advanced to the DECA State Semifinals include:

• Isabella Realbuto ’27 — Start-Up Business Plan

• Malia Hamilton ’27 — Start-Up Business Plan

• Chloe Coffey ’26 — Start-Up Business Plan

• Riley Gowie ’28 — Integrated Marketing Campaign

• Riley Mitchell ’28 — Integrated Marketing Campaign

• Andrea Valente ’28 — Integrated Marketing Campaign

• Vivienne Ujhely ’27 — Principles of Business Management

• Clare Wenzke ’26 — Human Resources Management

A special congratulations to our DECA State Finalists:

• Vivienne Ujhely ’27 — Principles of Business Management

• Clare Wenzke ’26 — Human Resources Management

We also want to recognize the IHA DECA executive board for their hard work on membership, promotional, and community service campaigns. Our chapter achieved Thrive Level status and received plaques on stage. Executive Board members include: Clare Wenzke ’26, Madelyn Hryniw ’26, Zoe DePhillips ’26, Christina Festa ’26, Chloe Coll ’26, Samantha Kerrigan ’26, Chloe Coffey ’26, Izabella Hoxholli ’26, Malia Hamilton ’27, and Keira Collins ’27.

Thank you to IHA chapter advisor, Mrs. Christine Capizzi ’89 P’25, for all her hard work in preparing our students and providing an incredible experience. We also appreciate our wonderful chaperones, Mrs. Jeannine Woolley P’20, Mrs. Amy Baskin, Ms. Ellen Donoghue ’76, Ms. Michele Verrone ’88 P’21, ’24, Ms. Danielle Buldo ’91, and Mrs. Allison Anderson, for their excellent support throughout the competition. 

Congratulations to all of our IHA DECA competitors for representing the school with professionalism, leadership, and business excellence.