This past week, ten Comsewogue students competed at the 64th annual New York State DECA Competition in Rochester, NY! This was the first time ever that students from Comsewogue competed at the State Level. Several students came home with awards. Comsewogue had two students bring home the coveted glass awards along with others that won "Top 10" Medals in their competitive subcategories.
Sophomore Dillon Order won first place overall in the Principles of Finance competition! He also won medals for the exam, role-playing and overall subcategories. Senior Kyle Buck took home 4th place overall in the Quick Serve Restaurant Management competition. He also won medals for the Exam, Role Play 1, Role Play 2, and the Overall subcategories. Sophomore Hannah Montoya also placed top 10 overall in the Principles of Finance competition and Senior, Brandon Bermingham placed top 10 overall in Principles of Marketing competition!
Both Dillon and Kyle will advance to International DECA finals, the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). For 2024, the ICDC is hosted in Anaheim, California. Both Dilon and Kyle have the opportunity to compete in the International Finals competition. “It was surreal,” said Dillon. “Hearing 'Comsewogue' followed by my name caught me so off guard. It made the experience better. I couldn’t believe it and I’m looking forward to Comsewogue DECA and where it takes me and my peers in the future.” When asked about the experience, Kyle Buck said, “I am extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity Mr. Joudeh presented us. I can’t wait to see how far Dillon and I will go. Hopefully this is only the beginning of Comsewogue’s journey throughout the DECA program and I look forward to seeing what we will do in the future!”
The following students competed at the Rochester, NY State Finals:
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Principles of Hospitality and Tourism: Reese Agarenzo
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Principles of Marketing: Brandon Bermingham (Top 10 in NY)
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Principles of Business Management and Administration: Jace Mas
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Hotel and Lodging Management: Aryana Spence
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Quick Serve Restaurant Management: Kyle Buck (4th Place in NY)
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Automotive Services Marketing Series: James Lanze
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Food Marketing Series: Sophia Gregorio
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Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series: Vincent Oliveto
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Principles of Finance: Dillon Order (1st Place/State Champion for NY) & Hannah Montoya (Top 10 in NY)
DECA is a club for aspiring business leaders where they can compete in regional, state and international competitions. Comsewogue started competing with its now Award-Winning DECA club only this school year. This year, business teacher and the new DECA club advisor, Mr. Joudeh, brought the club into the competitive scene for the first time ever. “Comsewogue pulled off a major upset today," said Mr. Joudeh. “It was the first time competing at the state level against tried and true powerhouse schools. No one ever saw us coming. These kids are special and I knew our program would raise the bar! To say I was proud of my students would be an understatement.”
Dr. Don Heberer, District Administrator for Instructional Technology and supervisor of the Business/CTE Department for Comsewogue School District stated, “Comsewogue had a very small business program only five years ago. When the only business teacher at the high school retired, we had a rare opportunity to create a new business program from the ground up. Along with the high school principal, Mr. Michael Mosca, we developed brand new courses, curriculum and hired new business teachers. We were able to work with local businesses, colleges and professionals to ensure that our students learn the technical and soft skills they need to be successful. Starting a DECA club was the next natural progression. The achievements our students earned today are a direct result of the work of our team. It’s amazing what the students can achieve when given the leadership and the opportunity to shine.”
As Dillon and Kyle start to think about the next level, Comsewogue juniors and sophomores already have big plans for next year’s DECA. We can’t wait to see what our students will accomplish!
