Congratulations to seniors Calvin Bacall and George Gardey, state champions at the March 9-11 Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference held at Detroit's Renaissance Center.

Bacall and Gardey are state champions in the Buying and Merchandising Team Decision-Making event, and will represent DLS at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida in April 2023. Both students received medals for their impressive performances on the written exams and in the performance events. 

Bacall's college plans are not finalized, but he does plan to major in Biophysics. 

"I like the family feel of the DECA community, along with the networking aspect," Bacall said. "The impact of DECA on my life is undeniable. I am brimming with enthusiasm at the prospect of representing DLS in the International competition." 

Gardeny, who plans to pursue a degree in Finance at the University of Notre Dame, is also the Class of 2023 Salutatorian.

"DECA seemed like a fun thing to do with my friends," Gardey said. "I love having to think on my feet and speak."

The weekend included a Thursday morning breakfast at the Detroit Athletic Club, and meeting alumni Zack Gianetti '14, and Dave Zainea '82 at the Garden Bowl.

Sophomore Nolan Kas-Mikha and junior Christian Talamantes were state finalists.

Kas-Mikha earned a high score on both the written exam and in the performance events in the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism event. 

In the same category, Talamantes was recognized for his performance.

Bacall and Gardey thank the DECA Moderator, DLS Business Teacher Mrs. Sandra Coccimiglio, for leading them on their DECA journey. The two also thank DLS Math Teacher Ms. Catherine Leix who taught them about standard deviation.  

Congratulations to the students listed below who also competed and represented DLS at the State Conference

• Seniors Brady Bennie, Cody Cummins, Brendan Dignan, Andrew Gingle, Gabe Jones, and Martino Kas-Mikha.
• Sophomores Chris Azzi and Jack Madigan. 

See this link for more pictures.