Ten student officers from Whitinsville Christian School (WCS) attended the 42nd Annual Massachusetts DECA Fall State Leadership Conference, held Thursday, October 22, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Whitinsville Christian School DECA is a student-led organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through leadership conferences, competitive events, community service, and hands-on business experiences, DECA students develop essential professional skills while applying classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
The annual conference brings together DECA members and officers from across Massachusetts for a day focused on leadership development, professional growth, networking, and preparation for the upcoming DECA competitive season.
Representing Whitinsville Christian School were ten DECA chapter officers including Charlotte DeFrancisco, Josephina Dyke, Enson Enoch, and Ian Finch from the Class of 2027; and Lily Araujo, Cadence Calarese, Finch Harvey, Neola Nigh, Emma Whitsitt, and Ryleigh Shanahan from the Class of 2028.
The conference gave these student leaders opportunities to connect with DECA members from 50 other schools from around the state of Massachusetts, explore leadership strategies, and gain insights they can bring back to their chapter.
Representing Whitinsville Christian School were ten DECA chapter officers including Charlotte DeFrancisco, Josephina Dyke, Enson Enoch, and Ian Finch from the Class of 2027; and Lily Araujo, Cadence Calarese, Finch Harvey, Neola Nigh, Emma Whitsitt, and Ryleigh Shanahan from the Class of 2028.
“DECA provides our students with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Eliot Deters, WCS Business Education Teacher and DECA Chapter Advisor. “These ten students have stepped forward to lead our chapter, and experiences like this conference help them develop the confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities they will carry into college, their careers, and their communities. I am proud of their commitment to representing Whitinsville Christian School and continuing to grow as leaders.”
Throughout the school year, WCS DECA officers help lead chapter initiatives, organize fundraising events, promote membership, coordinate community service opportunities, and encourage fellow students to pursue excellence through DECA’s competitive events program.
As the chapter prepares for the upcoming competitive season, these ten officers will play an important role in strengthening the WCS DECA program, mentoring fellow members, and fostering a culture of leadership, teamwork, and professional excellence.