BHHS DECA Dominates at State Conference in Detroit

In early March, 77 ambitious students from the Bloomfield Hills High School DECA Chapter competed in the Michigan DECA 2026 State Career Development Conference. These emerging leaders and young entrepreneurs competed against thousands of other students from across the state.

Students showcased their expertise across a range of business industries, from business law and ethics to financial consulting and hospitality services to sports marketing. Whether they were pitching an integrated marketing campaign to an industry professional or analyzing a complex human resource management case study, the students demonstrated the academic excellence and professionalism that defines the DECA experience.

In all, 25 BHHS students were recognized as state finalists, a chapter record-high, placing them in the top tier of their respective events. An additional 12 students took home the coveted DECA Glass award as international qualifiers, earning their place at the International Career Development Conference, where they will represent Michigan on the global stage in Atlanta, GA.

Under the leadership of head advisor and teacher, Tina Kavanagh, and assistant advisors and teachers, Dan Whitmire and Mallory Russell, the BHHS DECA chapter has established itself as more than just an extracurricular club, but a place where the future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders of our district can thrive. The chapter extends its deepest gratitude to the community of parents, teachers, and mentors who invested their time in these students’ professional growth. 

For more information about BHHS DECA and its accomplishments, contact Kavanagh at ckavanagh@bloomfield.org, and follow the chapter on Instagram @bloomfield_deca.

International Career Development Qualifiers (First Place)

Naisha Doshi (grade 12) - Independent Business Plan

Kathryn Ho (grade 12) - Independent Business Plan

Angel Garza (grade 12) - Innovation Plan

Evelyn Grosshans (grade 11) - Business Research - Hospitality

Abigail Herskovic (grade 11) - Business Research - Hospitality

Kinsley Kurns (grade 11) - Entrepreneurship Team Event

Shaun Linden (grade 10) - Financial Literacy Project

Erik Norsted (grade 10) - Financial Literacy Project

Darsh Patel (grade 10) - Financial Literacy Project

Hasan Ramadan (grade 12) - Innovation Plan

Mayas Smith (grade 12) - Financial Consulting

Brady Winston  (grade 11) - Entrepreneurship Team Event

 

Overall Finalists (Second Place) 

Matthew Ben (grade 11) - International Business Plan

Ellie BenEzra (grade 11) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event

Olivia Carlson (grade 11) - Marketing Communications Services

Saachi Dhillon (grade 12) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Zachary Fogel (grade 12) - Business Research - Sports Marketing

Goldie Fox (grade 12) - Apparel & Accessories Marketing

Kadin Gibson (grade 12) - Business Research - Hospitality

Leah Goldstein (grade 11) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event

Hana Hatab (grade 11) - Hotel & Lodging Management

Ronald Hong (grade 11) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Julia Li (grade 11) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Will Merchant (grade 11) - International Business Plan

Harper Nagaj (grade 10) - Sales Project

Krish Patel (grade 11) - International Business Plan

Ava Pierre (grade 10) - Sales Project

Ayush Sajja (grade 12) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Shrika Sajja (grade 11) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Nandini Salecha (grade 10) - Sales Project

Benson Schabel (grade 12) - Business Research - Sports Marketing

Jack Schmid (grade 10) - Business Research - Retail

Charis Smyly (grade 10) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Sophia Snyder (grade 11) - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event

Lee Toby (grade 10) -  Business Research - Retail

Will Xintaris (grade 10) - Business Research - Retail

Sonal Zachariah (grade 12) - Business Research - Hospitality