From March 3-5, a group of Knolls students took on DECA states in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Held annually at Harrahs Resort, the DECA States Career Development Conference features students from over 125 schools across New Jersey. This year, a record-breaking number of 5,500 students from varying districts attended SCDC. 

Prior to the conference, Knolls students diligently prepped for their events. MK DECA adviser Mrs. Jenny Malin put a significant amount of time and effort into helping state-bound students prepare. When asked about her part in developing student skill growth, Malin explained that “We do a lot of practice! I provide opportunities for students to try role plays in a comfortable setting, and then talk strategy about how to handle challenges.” 

Upon arrival, MK students attended the opening ceremony, where a group of state officers and state-wide advisor Dr. Jeffrey Victor (DECA Jeff) kicked off the three-day competition with inspiring words and encouragement. Sophomore Anika Jubair elaborated on this experience, remarking that “It was so cool to see how many students were really participating under one roof. The best part of it all was meeting new people and making friends in the process.” 

Day two was filled with excited nerves, crowded hallways, and a seemingly never ending wait for event participants. After role-plays and presentations concluded, students were able to play games at officer campaign booths, head to Downtown DECA to do karaoke, or even conduct interviews with students from other schools. 

However, behind the excitement was the shared, excruciating wait as students wondered whether they’d finalized. One of Knolls’ own, senior Avni Maheshwari, not only made it to finals, but placed second in her category, qualifying her for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). 

Earning a DECA medal or glass wasn’t the only notable achievement for a Knolls student, as senior Sam DeFranco was recognized for her commitment to the MK DECA chapter with a $2,000 scholarship. Malin expressed “how much time, effort, and energy both Avni and Sam put into our chapter this year, and [she] loves that they were recognized for it on the big stage.”