Dupage Policy Journal

Northwood University’s DECA team earned more first-place awards than any other school during this year’s DECA State Competition, which was held in a virtual format.

“I am most proud of our Collegiate DECA Team members for their amazing grit! They struggled through two-plus years of pandemic hardships. Yet, despite the setbacks and challenges, they put in the work, maintained and positive attitude, and demonstrated true GRIT that resulted in our best State Collegiate DECA performance in the history of Northwood DECA,” stated Advisor John Gustincic. “Their success in DECA, combined with their unique Northwood educational experience, will undoubtedly result in future career success.”

DECA is an association of marketing students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

DECA has developed a Competitive Events Program that allows students to put their experience, skills and knowledge to the test while representing their high school or college. Students compete for top international honors in one of 25 different competitions. In the state competition, Northwood’s DECA Team earned the following first-place honors:

• Entrepreneurship Starting a Business: Jessica Bromberg, Pinconning
• Entrepreneurship Growing a Business: Mitchell Willman, Kawkawlin
• Professional Sales: Sophia Schlatterbeck, Livonia
• Financial Statement Analysis: Liliana Lulgjuraj, Rochester Hills, and Katherine Frank, Midland
• Business Research: Charlee Simanskey, Midland 
• Advertising Campaign: Lauren Waiss, Sturtevant, Wisconsin
• Restaurant & Food Service Management: Aidan Keyes, Morrisville, North Carolina
• Sales Management Meeting: Pietro Vitale, Woodhaven

The following earned second-place honors:

• Entrepreneurship Operations: Molly Dickinson, Alpena 
• Financial Accounting: Wilson Bragg, Gladwin 
• Marketing Management: Andrew Coveyou, Petoskey 
• Retail Management: Clayton Scott, Shelby Township
• Sales Management Meeting: Jordan Barker, Howell 
• Travel & Tourism: Karlee Sanders, Fenton 
• Marketing Communications: Brooke Engelhardt, Saline,  & Caroline Krause, Saline 
• Advertising Campaign: Noora Tomi, Sterling Heights, & Kiara Peterman, Gowen 
• Professional Sales: Teagan O’Bryan, Lapeer 

Gustincic noted nine colleges competed in this year’s contest, including Michigan State University and Kettering University. He is proud Northwood’s team was able to move to a virtual format with just four days notice.

“Yet our students managed to pull off amazing results,” he added.