VTHS students compete at state DECA conference in Atlantic City

Twenty-six students from Vernon Township High School represented the district at the 2026 DECA Inc. New Jersey State Career Development Conference, held March 3-5 in Atlantic City.

The annual conference draws thousands of high school students from across the state to compete in business-related events designed to strengthen leadership, communication and career-readiness skills.

Vernon students qualified through district competition and through events that advance directly to the state level, including pitch deck and integrated marketing categories. Students competed in events such as integrated marketing campaign, entrepreneurship innovation plan, startup business plan, professional selling, business finance, accounting applications and event marketing.

The Vernon chapter also earned statewide recognition for chapter member growth for the second straight year, reaching 90 active members during the 2025-26 school year.

Students attending the conference also participated in leadership workshops, networking sessions and career-focused seminars aimed at preparing them for business, marketing, finance and entrepreneurship careers.

Senior Ethan Maldonado said the conference has been one of the highlights of his four years in DECA.

“It’s a great event to sharpen your business skills for the near future while also having a great time with your class,” Maldonado said.

Junior Alexis Inoa said the conference provided valuable networking opportunities and practical skills that extend beyond high school.

DECA adviser Dominick LoPresti said this year’s delegation included a strong mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen.

“Usually this trip is very senior-heavy, so it was great to see some of our younger members excited to take part,” LoPresti said. “I was proud to call myself the adviser of such an excellent group of young people.”

He added that the conference remains one of the most meaningful experiences for students in the program because it allows them to challenge themselves while representing the school.

The participating students were Azraelle Bases, Johanna Bruhns, Robert Burdzy, Emma Casper, Aiden Clark, Mary Duffy, Shane Dunbar, Aiden Galvan, Mackenzie Gass, Lauren Goolsby, Klaus Harthaus, Emma Heinzinger, Kaitlyn Hordych, Brandon Houghtaling, Alexis Inoa, Adam Jackson, Alabama Jacobus, Emma Lally, Maureen Lovett, Ethan Maldonado, Kaylei Mastrianni, Brody Orr, Gio Papaleo, Sam Simone, Elijah Suarez and Molly Wolf.