Prep Talk

DECA Students Advance to State Competition

Posted February 3rd, 2025

St. Augustine Prep’s DECA chapter continues to grow and excel as 17 students have advanced to the New Jersey Career Development Conference (NJCDC), where they will compete in their respective business disciplines this March in Atlantic City. Their journey reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship and experiential learning, core pillars of the Innovation & Experiential Learning program at the Prep.

DECA, an international association for emerging business leaders, provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business scenarios. By engaging in competitive events across finance, marketing, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, these aspiring professionals gain invaluable experience in leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving—critical skills that prepare them for success beyond the classroom.

The following Hermits have earned their place in the state competition and will be competing for a chance to advance to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, from April 26-29:

Principles of Hospitality and Tourism

  • Brody Ackerman ’25
  • Landon Davis ’26
  • Jack McNamee ’25

Principles of Finance

  • Drake Brogan ’26
  • Rocco Pustizzi ’26

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series

  • Owen Brown ’25

Financial Services Team Decision-Making

  • Giovanni Catania ’26
  • Carter Siniavsky ’26

Entrepreneurship Start-Up Business Plan

  • Jasper Coville ’26
  • Josh Gatesman ’25

Business Finance Series

  • Stefan Dragos ’27
  • Andrew Kierland ’26

Principles of Business Management & Administration

  • Jacob Holzer ’26
  • Cameron Quinn ’28

Marketing Communications

  • Joey Maatje ’27

Personal Financial Literacy

  • Colin Olivo ’25

Restaurant and Food Service Management

  • Gabe Schiller ’25

Through DECA and the Innovation & Experiential Learning program, these students are honing their entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills as they prepare for a future in the business world. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the dynamic, hands-on learning approach that continues to set St. Augustine Prep apart!

Congratulations to our state qualifiers! We look forward to watching you represent the Brotherhood in Atlantic City and beyond.