A LITTLE HELP FROM A FRIEND Locals shine at DECA development conference

Press Release

Twelve members of the Coginchaug chapter of Connecticut DECA joined 800 high school business, finance, hospitality and marketing students at the annual association career development conference held March 1 at The Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

More than 150 business professionals evaluated DECA members’ performance in the format of role-plays, case studies and prepared presentations.

Recently, Durham native Dr. Andy Pease returned to his old stomping grounds to lend his expertise to RSD13 band students. Pease, who serves as associate professor of music and director of instrumental music at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., workshopped with Memorial, Strong and Coginchaug musicians and conducted them at the district band concert, held March 1. Two hundred fifty 5th through 12th graders performed. In a social media post, the CRHS Pops account states: “We are excited to see music thriving in our community it is the most students we have seen playing together since pre-COVID times.”

The following CRHS students received recognition for individual ability and achievement at the association level: Maggie Ross and Alyssa Szymaszek were finalists in the Hotel and Lodging Management Series and Apparel and Accessories Marketing Series, respectively, and were awarded medals.

Three CRHS students were top place finishers and will advance to the DECA International Career Development Conference competition to be held April 22 to 25 in Orlando:

Alex Woznyk placed third in the Restaurant and Food Service Management Series, Hope Giammetteo placed second in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, and Diya Patel placed first in the state for her Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan.

Also, Coginchaug DECA was recognized for its successful completion of its Chapter and Membership campaigns. The successful completion of these campaigns allows Coginchaug DECA to bring six students to the In-