For the first time in school history, Desert Sunrise High sent students to the DECA International Career Development Conference this week, a major milestone for its new chapter.
Led by hospitality management teacher and DECA advisor Jennifer Solina, two students, Julian Rogalla and Kaelyn Miller, traveled to Orlando, Fla., joining 14 others from Maricopa and 20,000 participants nationwide.
Rogalla and Miller were two of 39 Arizona students selected to attend.
“ We’re a brand new DECA chapter this year,” said Solina. “The fact that we even made it to ICDC is huge.”
DECA — Distributive Education Clubs of America — prepares students in marketing, finance, hospitality and management through competitive events, exams and long-term projects judged by industry professionals. Despite its name, the Virginia-based organization has chapters in 10 countries.
Rogalla, a junior, and Miller, a sophomore, attended the Ignite Leadership Academy, designed for first-time participants to develop networking and leadership skills.
“My biggest takeaway was that the competition starts as soon as you get there because judges notice the small things,” Rogalla said.
Added Miller: “Watching Maricopa High School DECA competitors showed me how efficient and exciting this competition is. I’m really looking forward to next year.”
The four-day event pushed students out of their comfort zones.
“They had to network with students from seven different states. It was awkward at first, but by the end, they had six new best friends across the country,” Solina said.
“It brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me connect with people from all over,” said Rogalla.
Miller said his favorite part was meeting others with the same interests.
Solina, who joined Maricopa Unified School District last year, transitioned from a 20-year career as a hairstylist and business owner.
“COVID changed everything for me. I didn’t want to do it anymore,” she said. “Now, I’m using my business background to prepare these kids for the future and I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had.”
DECA role-play events were a highlight for both students.
“They make you think on the spot,” said Rogalla.
Solina said she plans to build on this week’s experience with weekly role-plays, angling Desert Sunrise to compete in even more DECA events next year.
The trip wasn’t all business, though. The group also visited Universal Studios daily.
“It was a great addition to the experience,” said Solina.
The teacher credited MHS DECA advisor Bernadette Russoniello and her students for helping her team prepare.
“None of this would have been possible without them,” she said of DECA leaders at Maricopa’s other public high school.
Looking ahead, Rogalla said: “I’m excited to do it all again next year … Hopefully with more people. The more we bring, the better it’ll be for our chapter.”
