DECA is the largest entrepreneurship youth initiative in Canada, encouraging students from across the province to compete in real-world business scenarios, engage in rigorous competition and examination, and network with students and educators alike. This year, the Ontario DECA provincial competition included close to 7,000 students.
Elmwood’s DECA chapter sent a record 31 participants to this year’s provincial competition, illustrating the passion of the students to expand their knowledge and engage in networking opportunities with students from other schools, as well as business universities.
Elmwood School’s DECA chapter is led by Mr. Hodgins, chapter advisor, and the student executive team led by President Khaliya Thawer: Raluca Voina, Grace Chen, Kayla Shafai, and Mia Bettolli-Remonda, and Lana McArthur. Throughout the year, this team has been sharing the knowledge of key performance indicators and the reflection of current events within the business realm.
At the provincial competition, there are two types of events: oral and written. The oral events include two case-based business role-plays, in which competitors are given 10 minutes to analyse and prepare to present a solution for a business problem that they have never seen, all while including the business jargon and concepts conducive to success. Once these 10 minutes are complete, the competitors then have 10 minutes to present their solution to a judge, mimicking a business meeting. These case-based discussions combine creative problem-solving, business knowledge, and strong communication and critical thinking skills.
For written events, a prompt is given prior to the provincial event and participants establish a solution to a business problem through a written report, followed by a presentation to a judge at the competition. These presentations demonstrate profound knowledge on the subject matter and persuasive communication tactics. For both oral and written events, students write a 100 question exam to test their knowledge on subjects relating to their event choice.
Elmwood returned from provincials with significant recognition, with several students receiving awards at the closing ceremonies for their effort.
Notably, Raluca Voina placed as a Top 20 Overall Finalist for her event, Hotel and Lodging Management. This award consisted of a combination of the two role-play events and the written examination, making her a potential backup competitor for the international competition. Her second oral role-play was also recognized as a Top 20 performance.
There were also several recognitions for the Top 15 in the written examination, including Sofia Harbel for Principles of Business Administration, Eva Li for Entrepreneurship, Mia Bettolli-Remonda for Apparel and Accessories Marketing, and Tamsen Taylor for Business Finance Series.
To all competitors and participants from the Elmwood DECA chapter, congratulations for your dedication and enthusiasm throughout the competition!
Nevertheless, this trip would not have been feasible or completed with such success had it not been for our incredible teacher guides. To Mr. Hodgins, Ms. Hanratty, and Ms. Schindler, your constant guidance and support for this experience made it an event that we will cherish forever. As a chapter, we are infinitely grateful to have you as part of our DECA journey. From intense competition to exploring the vibrant city of Toronto, you have supported us every step of the way! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much!