From March 3 to 5, 2026, 39 members of Glen Rock High School’s DECA chapter competed in a multi-day business and marketing competition in Atlantic City, joining students from across New Jersey in a series of competitive events.

DECA is an organization for future business leaders in High School. Members of DECA compete in different aspects and areas of business such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and other aspects of the business field. 

Over several days, students participated in role-play events, exams, and presentations that tested their skills in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Members are assigned to different competitions based on their specialty. 

DECA Vice President of Hospitality and Tourism Maya Fleytekh, won the NJ DECA Northern Region Scholarship. As a part of her event, she completed in an exam which accounted for half of her overall score, and delivered a prepared presentation in which she roleplayed as a sales representative before a judge. 

“I am most proud of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things with DECA, and being able to compete and meet so many new people,” Fleytekh expressed.

Sophomore Sarah Krasnopolsky, and senior Avery Schwartz both won awards and qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Krasnopolsky placed second in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism, and Schwartz placed fifth in Automotive Services and Marking Series.

“They called the school name first then proceeded to butcher my last name, but I went up, took a picture with a state officer and I was just in shock when I got my award. I could hear our DECA chapter and my friends shouting for me. It was really sweet,” Krasnopolsky shared.

For many participants, the competition served not only as an opportunity to represent their school, but also as a meaningful stepping stone in developing the skills and confidence necessary for future careers in business.