DECA International Career Development Conference

CHS’s Ajmera, Danke Reach DECA Nationals in Atlanta April 23-26

VIEW: DECA International Career Development Conference Program

DECA International Career Development ConferenceCHELMSFORD, MA (Apr. 22, 2022) – Senior Ganesh Danke and junior Rishi Ajmera will represent Chelmsford High School at the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Saturday through Tuesday, Apr. 23-26.

Both Mr. Danke and Mr. Ajmera advanced to the ICDC after stellar showings at the DECA State Career Development Conference in Boston Mar. 10-12 as well as the Massachusetts DECA District 5 Conference in early January.

In competition, DECA students are presented situations and issues in their field of expertise which might involve a 100-question multiple choice exam followed by a role play and/or presentation, for which students have limited time to prepare. Common situations involve a potential investor, customer or supplier and how the student would react to a given business scenario.

“It’s an amazing thing to be a part of,” said Tom Sousa, a Business Education teacher at CHS. “The fact that they have made it this far is really encouraging. I do know they both scored at the top of their category (at the State conference). The competition level is very difficult because there are so many good kids.”

Mr. Danke, named among the March Students of the Month at CHS, has advanced in the category of Startup Business Plan, for which he will submit and present an actual plan to a panel of judges on Sunday. He is already well-versed in his presentation as his fictitious startup company, Water Watcher, was created in preparation for the October SparkAlpha program, which teaches CHS students conceptualizing and the art of the pitch.

Mr. Ajmera advanced to the ICDC Conference in the category of Entrepreneurship Series. Over the weekend, he will undergo a 100-question multiple choice exam and be faced with a role play scenario, for which he has 10 minutes to prepare.

“You have to be book smart, but you also need the ability to interact and deal with the judges to be successful,” said Mr. Sousa. “That’s one of the really good things with DECA. The judge might like the presentation, they might not. Hopefully, both Rishi and Ganesh will do well and enjoy it.”

Mr. Danke and Mr. Ajmera were the sole finalists (those who finish in the top six places) among 13 CHS students at the Massachusetts DECA Conference, which drew more than 2,500 students. All 13 students had also competed at the District 5 Conference.

Other notable efforts at the Mass DECA Conference included that of seniors Vishant Raajkumar (Personal Financial Literacy) and Alyson Mireault (Apparel and Accessories), who each placed in the top 10 in their categories. Both Mr. Raajkumar and Ms. Mireault, along with Mr. Ajmera, received the Medallion for Performance on their written exams.

Additionally, Business Education teacher and Advisor Andrew Shupe, who served as the Principles Event Coordinator, was recognized for 20 years of service as a DECA advisor.

The ICDC Conference is expected to draw 20,000 students worldwide.

 

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential.  This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students.  For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.