WBHS DECA Student Testimonials
“DECA has definitely helped shape my career aspirations and goals. I was in DECA for three years. When I was a Sophomore, I joined DECA and my first competition was a role play. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it past districts, but I learned a lot that year. During my Junior and Senior years, I competed in the Public Relations Project category. While working on these two projects, I realized how much I really enjoy public relations and communications. I enjoy it so much, that I currently intern with Pamela Zajac at the West Bloomfield School District Community Relations and Marketing department. In college, I plan to study Public Relations/Communications/Business.” -
"This was a phenomenal, surreal accomplishment and one that I will treasure my entire life. I couldn’t have accomplished this without the fantastic DECA Advisors, Ms. Evola, Ms. Zalla, and Mrs. Sallen and my amazing teammates, Zachary and Lauren!” Brandon Crawford (Class of 2017) Michigan State- Junior
“My participation in DECA has influenced me to want to become an entrepreneur in my future. DECA, unlike many other clubs at the High School level, has exposed me to real world hands on experience. DECA, has given me an opportunity to immerse myself into the workforce of today so that I can play a vital role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. My favorite memory from DECA is this years flag ceremony at the international conference. Watching the various countries come out and represent their nation was an incredible experience. I placed Top 10 in the world in the Public Relations Project Event.” -Josh Cooper (Class of 2017) Michigan State University-Junior
"It changed my high school experience for the better" – Lauren Zimmerman (Class of 2017) Michigan State University Junior
"ICDC is an awesome experience! Although it is largely a competition, there is never a dull moment. This past week, I was able to get closer to people at my own school but also network with people from around the world. This experience will forever shape me as a person and a student" – Brianna Morigney (Class of 2017) Michigan State-Junior
"I wouldn't want my first time in California to be with any other group" – Krish Deodhar (class of 2017) Michigan State Junior
“It was able to introduce me to people I never would have talked to before! It helped me grow in my abilities to speak and present as well as interact with new people! These 5 days will forever be imprinted in my memory!” - Hafsa Bilal (class of 2017) Michigan State-Junior
“This experience was amazing. I gained confidence and realized I need to stop doubting myself. I also gained several pie orders!” - Nolan Beaty, (Class of 2019), Business Growth Plan
“Being able to compete at DECA has been an unforgettable experience that has been worth every hour spent working on our project. I can’t wait to represent West Bloomfield in Anaheim this April!” - Matthew Ladouceur, (Class of 2018), Creative Marketing Project and Virtual Business Sports
“I’ve been in DECA for three years. Each year that I have participated it has gotten better and better. Everyone there had a great time this weekend. It’s always great coming downtown to present.” - Jack Rudin, (Class of 2017), Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
“I think it’s safe to say that everyone who participated in DECA this weekend loved it, from the competition to exploring the revitalized city of Detroit. It was an all around success.” - Jack Budde, (Class of 2018), Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
“We are over the moon with how the WBHS student body and faculty responded to the announcement of the tournament. We have received great support from Laker Nation. We are all excited to help a great cause, giving each student the opportunity to achieve great things! The donations will provide inclusive social opportunities for students with special needs at West Bloomfield High School.” - Nick Seidel and Nick O’Shea, (Class of 2018), Creative Marketing Plan (Creative Marketing Project-3v3 Basketball Tournament)
“I wanted to do this project to raise money for a good cause, one that I am sure needs the help. Not only is this a great way to raise money for the WBHS Special Needs Program, but it is a perfect way to unite the school within a positive light.” - Raquel Kassa (Creative Marketing Project-3v3 Basketball Tournament)
"Being amongst 18,000 of the most elite High Schoolers in the world is such an incredible feeling. Just making it to internationals was a massive achievement in itself. Placing in the Top 20 is just the icing on the cake. Overall the trip was beyond incredible. ICDC was great for networking. I met people from all over the world including China, Spain, and various states across America who I intend to keep in touch with and do business with in the future." Josh Cooper (class of 2017) Michigan State University, Sophomore
"It is experiences like DECA that make high school worthwhile.” - Krish Deodhar (Class of 2017) Michigan State University SJunior
“Doing Virtual Business for DECA was one of the best experiences. Having your school cheer you on while you compete was really awesome.” - Matthew Ladouceur (Class of 2018) Michigan State University Sophmore
“Again, ICDC was an amazing experience to learn, grow, and have fun with a lot of my closest friends. It’s been an integral part of all four years of my high school experience, and has developed me into a better leader, speaker, and professional. Finishing 3rd in the nation was a sweet ending to an incredible journey.” – Jarrell Ku (Class of 2015)
“New friends, new experiences, and memories that will last forever. DECA gave me all of this in my past three years and has made me who I am and has strongly influenced my goals and plans for the future.” – David Hotz (class of 2015)
“An unforgettable experience with my friends that I will remember for the rest of my life.” – Aaron Moskovitz (Class of 2015)
“DECA has truly shaped my career pathway and has had a great influence in my life. ICDC in Orlando this year was an unreal experience with amazing friends and the best advisors, I could not have asked for a better end to my 4 year DECA career.” – Rupin Balabhadra (Class of 2015)
“DECA allowed me to develop leadership and business skills beyond what the classroom can provide. I was able to network with business people from all over who will influence my future career. DECA is the most amazing experience!” – Jacob Rashty (Class of 2015)