WBHS DECA Newsletters
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2017 Honors Convocation...Top Business Student Honors Awarded
Teenage Entrepreneur Nolan Beaty discusses his company with Civic Center TV. Nolan qualified to attend DECA ICDC with his written Start-up Business Plan.
May 19, 2017 -
Josh Cooper, Brandon Crawford and Jake Cohen honored at the 2017 Greater West Bloomfield Michigan Week Community Awards Breakfast
Josh Cooper, Brandon Crawford and Jake Cohen honored at the 2017 Greater West Bloomfield Michigan Week Community Awards Breakfast

West Bloomfield High School hosts Annual Spring Carnival for American Cancer Society
West Bloomfield Township, May 15, 2017 - Students at West Bloomfield High School put their sports and entertainment marketing skills to work by hosting the annual Spring Carnival in the high school courtyard on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Proceeds from this event benefit the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life of West Bloomfield/Bloomfield Hills. The carnival is organized and run by students in Ms. Julie Zalla’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes.
Students raise money by having staff and students purchase raffle tickets in the weeks leading up to the carnival. Some items that were raffled off included a signed Andre Drummond Basketball, Beats Wireless Headphones, concert tickets and more. Additionally, the carnival featured games and a dunk tank in which students paid $1.00 to participate. High school clubs also had booths at the carnival that sell items. Booths this year included cookie decorating, Dairy Queen Blizzards, Henna Tattoos, and more.
The West Bloomfield High School Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes would like thank everyone who participated in the carnival and/or who made a donation. In total, the Spring Carnival raised $1,871.55. The money will be presented to the American Cancer Society at Relay for Life at St. Mary’s Preparatory on June 3, 2017.
West Bloomfield Township, May 15, 2017 - Students at West Bloomfield High School put their sports and entertainment marketing skills to work by hosting the annual Spring Carnival in the high school courtyard on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Proceeds from this event benefit the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life of West Bloomfield/Bloomfield Hills. The carnival is organized and run by students in Ms. Julie Zalla’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes.
Students raise money by having staff and students purchase raffle tickets in the weeks leading up to the carnival. Some items that were raffled off included a signed Andre Drummond Basketball, Beats Wireless Headphones, concert tickets and more. Additionally, the carnival featured games and a dunk tank in which students paid $1.00 to participate. High school clubs also had booths at the carnival that sell items. Booths this year included cookie decorating, Dairy Queen Blizzards, Henna Tattoos, and more.
The West Bloomfield High School Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes would like thank everyone who participated in the carnival and/or who made a donation. In total, the Spring Carnival raised $1,871.55. The money will be presented to the American Cancer Society at Relay for Life at St. Mary’s Preparatory on June 3, 2017.

West Bloomfield High School DECA Makes History at the
DECA International Career Development Conference
West Bloomfield Township, MI – April 25-30, 2017. A record number of 34 Students from the West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) DECA chapter traveled to Anaheim, California to attend the 71st annual DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC). A record number of 19 students earned Top 20 recognition. Every year, DECA students from all over the world gather at the ICDC to compete in different business competitions. Students who attend ICDC are viewed as the “best of the best” in their category. This conference marks the end of DECA, and WBHS students work year-round to compete at this level.
This year’s conference brought over 19,000 top high school student performers and advisors from all 50 states, U. S. Territories, and nine foreign countries to compete in 36 different events. Students prepare year-round for events that include concentrations in hospitality, law, marketing or finance.
On Tuesday, WBHS DECA members arrived in Anaheim at the Embassy Suites hotel. The following day (Wednesday), students had the opportunity to explore parts of the Los Angeles area, including Hollywood, The Grove (Shopping Center) and Huntington Beach. Later that day the conference started with the Grand Opening Ceremony that featured a fashion show by FIDM students, performance by Billy Gilman, keynote address by Monique Morrow and concluded with a concert by Echosmith.
On Thursday morning students gathered into their respective categories for a competition briefing. At this briefing, each competitor was issued a presentation time slot. Following the briefing, students had time to practice their presentations or simulations before heading to Disneyland that evening.
Students then competed on Friday and had time to enjoy the sights of Anaheim. Friday night concluded with a WBHS DECA chapter dinner at Oggi’s Pizza in Garden Grove, CA.
The conference concluded with a grand awards ceremony on Saturday night where students were recognized for outstanding performance in online testing, written research reports, oral presentations and virtual business online simulation.
We are very proud to acknowledge the ICDC qualifiers and winners (listed below) and their categories during this conference.
Qualified participants:
Max Barash, (9), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Nolan Beaty, (10), Business Growth Plan
Hafsa Bilal (12), Franchise Business Plan
Brian Bembas, (11), Creative Marketing Project and Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Sydney Bruce, (11), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Jack Budde, (11), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Josh Carlin, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Jake Cohen, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Josh Cooper, (12), Public Relations Project
Brandon Crawford, (12), Public Relations Project
Zachary Crawford, (10), Public Relations Project
Krish Deodhar, (10), Public Relations Project
Vietress Feller, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Lauren Gagnon, (11), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Maria Kakos, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Brady Kay, (12), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Nathan Kinner, (12), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research and Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Matthew Ladouceur, (11), Creative Marketing Project and Virtual Business Challenge Sports
David Martin, (9), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Marcus Mclaughlin, (11), Creative Marketing Project
Rei Mizuno, (11), Finance Operations Research Event and Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Brianna Morigney, (12), Franchise Business Plan
Oghenekevwe Okagvare (12), Virtual Business Challenge Hotel and Virtual Business Challenge Retail
Amyl Patterson, (12), Start-up Business Plan
Collin Pintamo, (11), Finance Operations Research Event
Daniel Pore, (12), Virtual Business Challenge Retail
Sam Rudin, (9), Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
Jack Rudin, (12), Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
Nick Seidel, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Kenneth Tobin, (12), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research, Virtual Business Challenge Retail and Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Alex Weiss, (12), Independent Business Plan
Lauren Zimmerman, (12), Public Relations Project
Kayla Zrepskey, (11), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Kasper Zemajitis, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
International Winners:
Brian Bembas (11), Matthew Ladouceur (11), Nicholas Seidel (11) – 1st Place – Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Brandon Crawford (12), Zachary Crawford (10), Lauren Zimmerman (12) – 1st Place – Public Relations Project
Vietress Feller (11), Maria Kakos (11), Rei Mizuno (11) – 3rd Place – Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Oghenekevwe Okagvare (12), Daniel Pore, (12) – 10th Place – Virtual Business Retail
Josh Cooper (12), Krish Deodhar (12) – Top 10 – Public Relations Project
Marcus Mclaughlin (11) – Top 10 – Creative Marketing Project
Nathan Kinner (12), Kenneth Tobin (12) – 11th Place – Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Josh Carlin (11), Jake Cohen (11), Kasper Zemajitis (11) – 12th Place – Virtual Business Sports
DECA International Career Development Conference
West Bloomfield Township, MI – April 25-30, 2017. A record number of 34 Students from the West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) DECA chapter traveled to Anaheim, California to attend the 71st annual DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC). A record number of 19 students earned Top 20 recognition. Every year, DECA students from all over the world gather at the ICDC to compete in different business competitions. Students who attend ICDC are viewed as the “best of the best” in their category. This conference marks the end of DECA, and WBHS students work year-round to compete at this level.
This year’s conference brought over 19,000 top high school student performers and advisors from all 50 states, U. S. Territories, and nine foreign countries to compete in 36 different events. Students prepare year-round for events that include concentrations in hospitality, law, marketing or finance.
On Tuesday, WBHS DECA members arrived in Anaheim at the Embassy Suites hotel. The following day (Wednesday), students had the opportunity to explore parts of the Los Angeles area, including Hollywood, The Grove (Shopping Center) and Huntington Beach. Later that day the conference started with the Grand Opening Ceremony that featured a fashion show by FIDM students, performance by Billy Gilman, keynote address by Monique Morrow and concluded with a concert by Echosmith.
On Thursday morning students gathered into their respective categories for a competition briefing. At this briefing, each competitor was issued a presentation time slot. Following the briefing, students had time to practice their presentations or simulations before heading to Disneyland that evening.
Students then competed on Friday and had time to enjoy the sights of Anaheim. Friday night concluded with a WBHS DECA chapter dinner at Oggi’s Pizza in Garden Grove, CA.
The conference concluded with a grand awards ceremony on Saturday night where students were recognized for outstanding performance in online testing, written research reports, oral presentations and virtual business online simulation.
We are very proud to acknowledge the ICDC qualifiers and winners (listed below) and their categories during this conference.
Qualified participants:
Max Barash, (9), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Nolan Beaty, (10), Business Growth Plan
Hafsa Bilal (12), Franchise Business Plan
Brian Bembas, (11), Creative Marketing Project and Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Sydney Bruce, (11), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Jack Budde, (11), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Josh Carlin, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Jake Cohen, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Josh Cooper, (12), Public Relations Project
Brandon Crawford, (12), Public Relations Project
Zachary Crawford, (10), Public Relations Project
Krish Deodhar, (10), Public Relations Project
Vietress Feller, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Lauren Gagnon, (11), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Maria Kakos, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Brady Kay, (12), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Nathan Kinner, (12), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research and Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Matthew Ladouceur, (11), Creative Marketing Project and Virtual Business Challenge Sports
David Martin, (9), Sports and Entertainment Operations Research
Marcus Mclaughlin, (11), Creative Marketing Project
Rei Mizuno, (11), Finance Operations Research Event and Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Brianna Morigney, (12), Franchise Business Plan
Oghenekevwe Okagvare (12), Virtual Business Challenge Hotel and Virtual Business Challenge Retail
Amyl Patterson, (12), Start-up Business Plan
Collin Pintamo, (11), Finance Operations Research Event
Daniel Pore, (12), Virtual Business Challenge Retail
Sam Rudin, (9), Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
Jack Rudin, (12), Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
Nick Seidel, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Kenneth Tobin, (12), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research, Virtual Business Challenge Retail and Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Alex Weiss, (12), Independent Business Plan
Lauren Zimmerman, (12), Public Relations Project
Kayla Zrepskey, (11), Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Kasper Zemajitis, (11), Virtual Business Challenge Sports
International Winners:
Brian Bembas (11), Matthew Ladouceur (11), Nicholas Seidel (11) – 1st Place – Virtual Business Challenge Sports
Brandon Crawford (12), Zachary Crawford (10), Lauren Zimmerman (12) – 1st Place – Public Relations Project
Vietress Feller (11), Maria Kakos (11), Rei Mizuno (11) – 3rd Place – Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Oghenekevwe Okagvare (12), Daniel Pore, (12) – 10th Place – Virtual Business Retail
Josh Cooper (12), Krish Deodhar (12) – Top 10 – Public Relations Project
Marcus Mclaughlin (11) – Top 10 – Creative Marketing Project
Nathan Kinner (12), Kenneth Tobin (12) – 11th Place – Virtual Business Challenge Hotel
Josh Carlin (11), Jake Cohen (11), Kasper Zemajitis (11) – 12th Place – Virtual Business Sports
DECA, DECA, DECAAri Felhandler and Madison Ruiz
April 12, 2017
Filed under Showcase, Student Life
West Bloomfield High School stole the show at Michigan DECA’s state competition at the Cobo Convention Center in the heart of Detroit. Some of West Bloomfield’s best writers, speakers, and salesmen/saleswomen worked tirelessly to prepare for their written projects, presentations, and role plays.
While in Detroit, students visited the popular Punch Bowl Social for food, bowling, and bonding time with the chapter. With down time, students were able to roam about the city and able to experience the City of Detroit at first hand.
The DECA States competition proved to be a historic one. These Laker champions exceeded all previous West Bloomfield High School records with an outstanding 51 state champions who qualified for the DECA International Conference.
Participants raved about the weekend long event. National qualifer Vietress Feller (junior) exclaimed her favorite highlight “was definitely doing karaoke with my close friends and Mrs.Evola at Punchbowl Social in Detroit! It was lots of fun and I enjoyed every second of it.” She continued to tell Spectrum that she “joined DECA because lots of my friends were in it and they loved it. At first I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but after states and internationals I learned many crucial skills.”
Another proud DECA champion for the public relations 30 page project for the UMatter campaign, Josh Cooper, stated “My passion for business at a young age got me involved in WBHS outstanding business department. Once I secured a spot in the business department our incredible advisors (Mrs. Sallen, Ms. Zalla, and Mrs. Evola) introduced me to the DECA program freshman year. I have been a member all 4 years and am honored to be serving as this years chapter president.” He continued, “I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to meet elite future leaders from all over the world and an opportunity to become a world champion.”
The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) will be taking place in beautiful Anaheim, California. Good luck Lakers!
April 12, 2017
Filed under Showcase, Student Life
West Bloomfield High School stole the show at Michigan DECA’s state competition at the Cobo Convention Center in the heart of Detroit. Some of West Bloomfield’s best writers, speakers, and salesmen/saleswomen worked tirelessly to prepare for their written projects, presentations, and role plays.
While in Detroit, students visited the popular Punch Bowl Social for food, bowling, and bonding time with the chapter. With down time, students were able to roam about the city and able to experience the City of Detroit at first hand.
The DECA States competition proved to be a historic one. These Laker champions exceeded all previous West Bloomfield High School records with an outstanding 51 state champions who qualified for the DECA International Conference.
Participants raved about the weekend long event. National qualifer Vietress Feller (junior) exclaimed her favorite highlight “was definitely doing karaoke with my close friends and Mrs.Evola at Punchbowl Social in Detroit! It was lots of fun and I enjoyed every second of it.” She continued to tell Spectrum that she “joined DECA because lots of my friends were in it and they loved it. At first I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but after states and internationals I learned many crucial skills.”
Another proud DECA champion for the public relations 30 page project for the UMatter campaign, Josh Cooper, stated “My passion for business at a young age got me involved in WBHS outstanding business department. Once I secured a spot in the business department our incredible advisors (Mrs. Sallen, Ms. Zalla, and Mrs. Evola) introduced me to the DECA program freshman year. I have been a member all 4 years and am honored to be serving as this years chapter president.” He continued, “I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to meet elite future leaders from all over the world and an opportunity to become a world champion.”
The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) will be taking place in beautiful Anaheim, California. Good luck Lakers!

Local Student Earns National DECA Honor
Josh Cooper, a senior at West Bloomfield High School, in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is the recipient of the 2017 DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award. This award recognizes students studying marketing, finance, hospitality and management for being an academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leader through participation in DECA. The award recipient must be a DECA member in his/her senior year of high school with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or better for each of the high school semesters. The DECA chapter advisor at West Bloomfield High School is Julie Zalla. Josh Cooper is the son of Beth and Michael Cooper of West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Josh Cooper, a senior at West Bloomfield High School, in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is the recipient of the 2017 DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award. This award recognizes students studying marketing, finance, hospitality and management for being an academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leader through participation in DECA. The award recipient must be a DECA member in his/her senior year of high school with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or better for each of the high school semesters. The DECA chapter advisor at West Bloomfield High School is Julie Zalla. Josh Cooper is the son of Beth and Michael Cooper of West Bloomfield, Michigan.
DECA District 6 Competition
January 14, 2017
Students Win Numerous District Awards, Advance to State Competition
White Lake, Michigan – Saturday January 14, 2017
Nearly 65 West Bloomfield High School DECA members traveled to Lakeland High School to compete in the DECA District VI Competition. This was a one day leadership and business competition. West Bloomfield walked away with 27 medals and 17 students qualifying for the State Career Development Conference, March 10th-12th in Detroit. In total, 87 students will represent WBHS at the State Conference.
Approximately 600 high school students from around the district competed in different events and categories, ranging from Sports and Entertainment Marketing to Finance. We are proud to acknowledge the winners (listed below) that qualified in one or more categories during this event.
Members qualifying for The State Career Development Conference are as follows:
Jack Cook, (12); Innovation Plan
Ronnie Davis, (11); Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Marcella Eid, (12); Marketing Communication Series
Zack Goldman, (11); Marketing Communication Series
Joshua Greenwald (12); Start-up Business Plan
Satoria Hardin (9); Principles of Management and Administration
Jordan Harvey, (11); Retail Merchandising Series
Christopher Johnson, (10); Financial Services Team Decision Making
Seth Kaferle, (11); Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Neville Kallabat, (10); Automotive Services Marketing Series
Maroukie Khemmoro, (12); Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
Nathaniel Lewis, (12); Professional Selling
Brendan McGuire, (9); Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Stefan Najor, (11); Automotive Services Marketing Series
Amyl Patterson, (12); Start-up Business Plan
Daniel Pore, (12); Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
Dante Thomas, (10); Financial Services Team Decision Making
Additional students recognized during the award ceremony:
Jakob Cuda, (9); Food Marketing Series
Tanner Fernando, (12); Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
Sydney Odden, (12); Financial Consulting Event
White Lake, Michigan – Saturday January 14, 2017
Nearly 65 West Bloomfield High School DECA members traveled to Lakeland High School to compete in the DECA District VI Competition. This was a one day leadership and business competition. West Bloomfield walked away with 27 medals and 17 students qualifying for the State Career Development Conference, March 10th-12th in Detroit. In total, 87 students will represent WBHS at the State Conference.
Approximately 600 high school students from around the district competed in different events and categories, ranging from Sports and Entertainment Marketing to Finance. We are proud to acknowledge the winners (listed below) that qualified in one or more categories during this event.
Members qualifying for The State Career Development Conference are as follows:
Jack Cook, (12); Innovation Plan
Ronnie Davis, (11); Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Marcella Eid, (12); Marketing Communication Series
Zack Goldman, (11); Marketing Communication Series
Joshua Greenwald (12); Start-up Business Plan
Satoria Hardin (9); Principles of Management and Administration
Jordan Harvey, (11); Retail Merchandising Series
Christopher Johnson, (10); Financial Services Team Decision Making
Seth Kaferle, (11); Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Neville Kallabat, (10); Automotive Services Marketing Series
Maroukie Khemmoro, (12); Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
Nathaniel Lewis, (12); Professional Selling
Brendan McGuire, (9); Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Stefan Najor, (11); Automotive Services Marketing Series
Amyl Patterson, (12); Start-up Business Plan
Daniel Pore, (12); Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
Dante Thomas, (10); Financial Services Team Decision Making
Additional students recognized during the award ceremony:
Jakob Cuda, (9); Food Marketing Series
Tanner Fernando, (12); Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
Sydney Odden, (12); Financial Consulting Event

What you don't know about drugs CAN hurt you!
Ben Goldman
January 9, 2017
Filed under Check It Out, News, Showcase, Student Life, Uncategorized
West Bloomfield High School will be hosting an informative panel about substance abuse in the community this Wednesday, January 11. This unprecedented event was devised by seniors Brandon Crawford and Lauren Zimmerman, and sophomore Zach Crawford, as part of their DECA public relations project.
The panel will be free of charge, with the goal of raising awareness for substance abuse, which is a growing and serious issue in both the West Bloomfield area and across the country.
“We are holding this panel to address the rising underage substance epidemic in our area,” said Brandon Crawford. “We’re doing it to inform students, parents, and teachers about the epidemic and how to help. We want them to walk away learning what is going on in their own community.”
The panel will feature a number of experts from several different backgrounds, including Lisa Kaplan (Maplegrove Education), Chief Michael Patton (West Bloomfield Police Department), Naomi Ishioka (Beaumont Hospital Troy & Royal Oak Emergency Departments). Also joining the panel is a recovering addict from Families Against Narcotics.
“The use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is a major problem facing the youth not only in our community, but around the country,” said DECA teacher Ms. Zalla. “I believe parents can benefit from learning from experts tools to help prevent substance abuse in their children. I also believe it is important for our students to know the dangers, warning signs and prevention.”
In addition to this panel, WBHS will be holding a “red out” during school on Wednesday. Red is the color typically associated with substance abuse, so Brandon, Zach, and Lauren hope students will wear the color red to help them promote their message.
“I am so proud of them,” continued Ms. Zalla. “They have worked hard to organize this event. I know it will be a success. It is wonderful to see our students working hard and giving back to our community.”
Ms. Zalla is proud, and so are we.
The panel will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 11, in the West Bloomfield High School iCenter.
Ben Goldman
January 9, 2017
Filed under Check It Out, News, Showcase, Student Life, Uncategorized
West Bloomfield High School will be hosting an informative panel about substance abuse in the community this Wednesday, January 11. This unprecedented event was devised by seniors Brandon Crawford and Lauren Zimmerman, and sophomore Zach Crawford, as part of their DECA public relations project.
The panel will be free of charge, with the goal of raising awareness for substance abuse, which is a growing and serious issue in both the West Bloomfield area and across the country.
“We are holding this panel to address the rising underage substance epidemic in our area,” said Brandon Crawford. “We’re doing it to inform students, parents, and teachers about the epidemic and how to help. We want them to walk away learning what is going on in their own community.”
The panel will feature a number of experts from several different backgrounds, including Lisa Kaplan (Maplegrove Education), Chief Michael Patton (West Bloomfield Police Department), Naomi Ishioka (Beaumont Hospital Troy & Royal Oak Emergency Departments). Also joining the panel is a recovering addict from Families Against Narcotics.
“The use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is a major problem facing the youth not only in our community, but around the country,” said DECA teacher Ms. Zalla. “I believe parents can benefit from learning from experts tools to help prevent substance abuse in their children. I also believe it is important for our students to know the dangers, warning signs and prevention.”
In addition to this panel, WBHS will be holding a “red out” during school on Wednesday. Red is the color typically associated with substance abuse, so Brandon, Zach, and Lauren hope students will wear the color red to help them promote their message.
“I am so proud of them,” continued Ms. Zalla. “They have worked hard to organize this event. I know it will be a success. It is wonderful to see our students working hard and giving back to our community.”
Ms. Zalla is proud, and so are we.
The panel will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 11, in the West Bloomfield High School iCenter.
Panel Speaks on Substance Abuse In Our Community
West Bloomfield, MI– Wednesday, January 11, 2017
The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Henry Ford Maplegrove Center, West Bloomfield School District and the West Bloomfield High School DECA Chapter sponsored a free program to the public about substance abuse in our local community. The guest panel consisted of Lisa Kaplan, Program Coordinator for Maplegrove Education, Chief Michael Patton, West Bloomfield Police Department, Naomi Ishioka, Beaumont Hospital Troy and a representative from Families Against Narcotics.
Each member of the guest panel shared with students, parents, teachers and local community members what they are seeing in their field of work, and offered an opportunity for questions.
The event was organized by the West Bloomfield High School DECA team of Brandon Crawford, Zach Crawford and Lauren Zimmerman. They have been working on a public relations project for their upcoming State Competition in March, and arranged for this event as part of their project.
Brandon Crawford, (12)-"We chose to do our Public Relations Project on substance abuse because we know this is an important and growing issue in our community and felt that more students, teachers, parents and community members need to be educated on the dangers of substance abuse"
Zach Crawford (10): “I was happiest about seeing all the people from our community who showed up to learn more about this pressing issue in our community. It was very inspirational.”
West Bloomfield, MI– Wednesday, January 11, 2017
The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Henry Ford Maplegrove Center, West Bloomfield School District and the West Bloomfield High School DECA Chapter sponsored a free program to the public about substance abuse in our local community. The guest panel consisted of Lisa Kaplan, Program Coordinator for Maplegrove Education, Chief Michael Patton, West Bloomfield Police Department, Naomi Ishioka, Beaumont Hospital Troy and a representative from Families Against Narcotics.
Each member of the guest panel shared with students, parents, teachers and local community members what they are seeing in their field of work, and offered an opportunity for questions.
The event was organized by the West Bloomfield High School DECA team of Brandon Crawford, Zach Crawford and Lauren Zimmerman. They have been working on a public relations project for their upcoming State Competition in March, and arranged for this event as part of their project.
Brandon Crawford, (12)-"We chose to do our Public Relations Project on substance abuse because we know this is an important and growing issue in our community and felt that more students, teachers, parents and community members need to be educated on the dangers of substance abuse"
Zach Crawford (10): “I was happiest about seeing all the people from our community who showed up to learn more about this pressing issue in our community. It was very inspirational.”
2016 WBHS DECA NEWS

West Bloomfield High School DECA Raises $1200 for inclusive social opportunities for students with special needs
West Bloomfield, MI- December 9, 2016 - Over 200 students and staff competed in the West Bloomfield High School DECA 3v3 Basketball Tournament fundraiser on December 9, 2016. More than $1200 was raised to provide inclusive social opportunities for students with special needs at the high school. The event was organized by DECA high school juniors Nick O’Shea, Nick Seidel, and Raquel Kassa as part of their DECA community service project.
The event took place in the high school gym where a total of 54 teams and 208 students participated in the double elimination game. Both teachers and students participated. The winning team consisted of West Bloomfield employees Jed Jones, Ron Bellamy, Josh Johnson, and Antonio Harrison. Raffle tickets were sold with the winner taking home a new IPhone 7.
The students will take their project to the state competition this March where they will compete amongst over 2500 Marketing students from around Michigan. The winners from the competition will move on to the DECA International Conference in Anaheim California this April, where they will compete amongst 18,000 high school marketing students from around the world.
“We are over the moon with how the WBHS student body and faculty responded to the announcement of the tournament. We have received great support from LakerNation. We are all excited to help a great cause, giving each student the opportunity to achieve great things! The donations will provide inclusive social opportunities for students with special needs at West Bloomfield High School.” - Nick Seidel and Nick O’Shea, (11), Creative Marketing Plan
“I wanted to do this project to raise money for a good cause, one that I am sure needs the help. Not only is this a great way to raise money for the WBHS Special Needs Program, but it is a perfect way to unite the school within a positive light.” - Raquel Kassa (11)
West Bloomfield, MI- December 9, 2016 - Over 200 students and staff competed in the West Bloomfield High School DECA 3v3 Basketball Tournament fundraiser on December 9, 2016. More than $1200 was raised to provide inclusive social opportunities for students with special needs at the high school. The event was organized by DECA high school juniors Nick O’Shea, Nick Seidel, and Raquel Kassa as part of their DECA community service project.
The event took place in the high school gym where a total of 54 teams and 208 students participated in the double elimination game. Both teachers and students participated. The winning team consisted of West Bloomfield employees Jed Jones, Ron Bellamy, Josh Johnson, and Antonio Harrison. Raffle tickets were sold with the winner taking home a new IPhone 7.
The students will take their project to the state competition this March where they will compete amongst over 2500 Marketing students from around Michigan. The winners from the competition will move on to the DECA International Conference in Anaheim California this April, where they will compete amongst 18,000 high school marketing students from around the world.
“We are over the moon with how the WBHS student body and faculty responded to the announcement of the tournament. We have received great support from LakerNation. We are all excited to help a great cause, giving each student the opportunity to achieve great things! The donations will provide inclusive social opportunities for students with special needs at West Bloomfield High School.” - Nick Seidel and Nick O’Shea, (11), Creative Marketing Plan
“I wanted to do this project to raise money for a good cause, one that I am sure needs the help. Not only is this a great way to raise money for the WBHS Special Needs Program, but it is a perfect way to unite the school within a positive light.” - Raquel Kassa (11)

West Bloomfield DECA Awarded Highest Honors at International Conference
West Bloomfield, Michigan – April 23-26, 2016 , 29 students from The West Bloomfield High School DECA chapter traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend the 70th annual International Career Development Conference. Every year, DECA students from all over the world gather together at the International Career Development Conference in order to compete in various business competitions. Every high school student who attends this conference is a highly qualified young business professional who is viewed as the “best of the best” in his or her specialized category. This conference marks the end of a DECA year, and West Bloomfield High School DECA students work all year-round to reach this level.
This years conference brought well over 17,500 top student performers and advisors from all 50 United States, U.S. Territories and nine foreign countries to compete in 36 different competitive events. Students prepare year-round in events that include concentrations such as business law, marketing, or finance.
On Friday, West Bloomfield DECA members arrived in Nashville, Tennessee at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. The following day students explored Nashville by taking the General Jackson Showboat river cruise. That evening the conference started with the Grand Opening Ceremony that featured a fashion show by FIDM and a concert by Lauren Alaina.
Over 17,500 students then gathered into their respective categories for a briefing on their competition. Each student was issued a time slot. After the competition, students had an opportunity to attend a concert at The Grand Ole Opry featuring country artists Lindsay Ell and Craig Morgan.
Students also attended a Nashville Sounds baseball game and enjoyed line dancing at the Wildhorse. The week ended with the awards ceremony, where students were recognized for outstanding performances for online testing, written research reports and oral presentations.
We are proud to acknowledge the International qualifiers and winners (listed below) and their categories during this event.
Qualified Participants: Shehryar Ahmed, Brian Bembas, Jacqueline Bumler, Josh Carlin, Nichelle Clark, Josh Cooper, Brandon Crawford, Krish Deodhar, Ari Felhandler, Vietress Feller, David Filanousky, Danielle Fink, Lauren Gagnon, Yashmeet Gambhir, Alexa Johnson, Matthew Ladouceur, Annetta Lekas, Cameron Maybodi, Krunal Moradrya, Brianna Morigney, Pooja Natarajan, Nicholas O’Shea, Rishabh Parekh, Nicholas Seidel, Shehr Asghar, Timothy Sinawi, Drew Warnecke, Alexander Weiss, Kasper Zemajtis and Lauren Zimmerman.
International Winners:
Brian Bembas (10), Matthew Ladouceur (10), Nicholas Seidel (10), - 4th place - Virtual Business Sports Marketing
Timothy Sinawi (12), Shehryar Ahmed (12), Yashmeet Gambhir (12) - 8th place- Virtual Business Sports Marketing
Josh Cooper (11) - Top 20 - Creative Marketing Campaign
West Bloomfield, Michigan – April 23-26, 2016 , 29 students from The West Bloomfield High School DECA chapter traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend the 70th annual International Career Development Conference. Every year, DECA students from all over the world gather together at the International Career Development Conference in order to compete in various business competitions. Every high school student who attends this conference is a highly qualified young business professional who is viewed as the “best of the best” in his or her specialized category. This conference marks the end of a DECA year, and West Bloomfield High School DECA students work all year-round to reach this level.
This years conference brought well over 17,500 top student performers and advisors from all 50 United States, U.S. Territories and nine foreign countries to compete in 36 different competitive events. Students prepare year-round in events that include concentrations such as business law, marketing, or finance.
On Friday, West Bloomfield DECA members arrived in Nashville, Tennessee at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. The following day students explored Nashville by taking the General Jackson Showboat river cruise. That evening the conference started with the Grand Opening Ceremony that featured a fashion show by FIDM and a concert by Lauren Alaina.
Over 17,500 students then gathered into their respective categories for a briefing on their competition. Each student was issued a time slot. After the competition, students had an opportunity to attend a concert at The Grand Ole Opry featuring country artists Lindsay Ell and Craig Morgan.
Students also attended a Nashville Sounds baseball game and enjoyed line dancing at the Wildhorse. The week ended with the awards ceremony, where students were recognized for outstanding performances for online testing, written research reports and oral presentations.
We are proud to acknowledge the International qualifiers and winners (listed below) and their categories during this event.
Qualified Participants: Shehryar Ahmed, Brian Bembas, Jacqueline Bumler, Josh Carlin, Nichelle Clark, Josh Cooper, Brandon Crawford, Krish Deodhar, Ari Felhandler, Vietress Feller, David Filanousky, Danielle Fink, Lauren Gagnon, Yashmeet Gambhir, Alexa Johnson, Matthew Ladouceur, Annetta Lekas, Cameron Maybodi, Krunal Moradrya, Brianna Morigney, Pooja Natarajan, Nicholas O’Shea, Rishabh Parekh, Nicholas Seidel, Shehr Asghar, Timothy Sinawi, Drew Warnecke, Alexander Weiss, Kasper Zemajtis and Lauren Zimmerman.
International Winners:
Brian Bembas (10), Matthew Ladouceur (10), Nicholas Seidel (10), - 4th place - Virtual Business Sports Marketing
Timothy Sinawi (12), Shehryar Ahmed (12), Yashmeet Gambhir (12) - 8th place- Virtual Business Sports Marketing
Josh Cooper (11) - Top 20 - Creative Marketing Campaign
A record 34 West Bloomfield High School students qualify for DECA International Career Development Conference
Detroit, Michigan – Thirty-four West Bloomfield School District students qualify for a spot at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in April.
The weekend of March 11th-13th, over 80 students from The West Bloomfield High School DECA chapter attended the State Career Development Conference in Detroit, Michigan. This was a weekend long leadership and business conference and competition. West Bloomfield performed admirably with 41 finalists and 34 qualifiers for the International Career Development Conference. This is the largest group to have ever qualified for the conference from West Bloomfield High School in over 35 years.
In order to move on to the International conference, students had to place high enough at the DECA State Career Development Conference event, held at Cobo Hall in Detroit last weekend.
Students from West Bloomfield High School competed against 3700 marketing students from other schools around the state. Below are the students who qualified for Internationals:
Vietress Feller and Danielle Fink – Buying & Merchandising Operations Research Event
Jacqueline Bumler and Alexa Johnson – Sports & Entertainment Marketing Operations Research Event
Rishabh Parekh, Kasper Zemajtis, Brian Bembas, Brooke Blind and Drew Warnecke- Business Services Operations Research Event
Josh Cooper and Madeline Hughes – Creative Marketing Project
Alexander Weiss, Pooja Natarajan, Brianna Morigney and Shehr Asghar– Franchise Business Plan
Shehryar Ahmed- Virtual Business
Matthew Ladouceur, Nicholas Seidel, Josh Carlin and Ari Felhandler – Finance Operations Research Event
Tim Sinawi – Financial Services Team Decision Making
Nicholas O’Shea, Lauren Gagnon, Annetta Lekas, Nicole Fink and Nicole Ostrovsky – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Event
Krish Deodhar, Cameron Maybodi, David Filanovsky, Yashmeet Gambhir and Kunal Moradiya – International Business Plan Event
Nichelle Clark, Brandon Crawford and Lauren Zimmerman – Public Relations Project
On Friday, West Bloomfield DECA members arrived at The Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center in Detroit where they registered and competed in their selected event. The evening included an Opening Ceremony welcoming students to The State Career Development Conference. Over 3,700 students then gathered into their respective categories for a briefing on their competition. Each student was issued a time slot. After the competition, students had dinner and prepared for Saturday activities.
Saturday included another round of competitions, and a visit to historic landmarks in the city. This was followed by a night at Cobo Hall, where students enjoyed watching a magician and listening to live entertainment.
The weekend ended with the awards ceremony, where students were recognized for outstanding performances for online testing, written research reports and oral presentations.
Detroit, Michigan – Thirty-four West Bloomfield School District students qualify for a spot at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in April.
The weekend of March 11th-13th, over 80 students from The West Bloomfield High School DECA chapter attended the State Career Development Conference in Detroit, Michigan. This was a weekend long leadership and business conference and competition. West Bloomfield performed admirably with 41 finalists and 34 qualifiers for the International Career Development Conference. This is the largest group to have ever qualified for the conference from West Bloomfield High School in over 35 years.
In order to move on to the International conference, students had to place high enough at the DECA State Career Development Conference event, held at Cobo Hall in Detroit last weekend.
Students from West Bloomfield High School competed against 3700 marketing students from other schools around the state. Below are the students who qualified for Internationals:
Vietress Feller and Danielle Fink – Buying & Merchandising Operations Research Event
Jacqueline Bumler and Alexa Johnson – Sports & Entertainment Marketing Operations Research Event
Rishabh Parekh, Kasper Zemajtis, Brian Bembas, Brooke Blind and Drew Warnecke- Business Services Operations Research Event
Josh Cooper and Madeline Hughes – Creative Marketing Project
Alexander Weiss, Pooja Natarajan, Brianna Morigney and Shehr Asghar– Franchise Business Plan
Shehryar Ahmed- Virtual Business
Matthew Ladouceur, Nicholas Seidel, Josh Carlin and Ari Felhandler – Finance Operations Research Event
Tim Sinawi – Financial Services Team Decision Making
Nicholas O’Shea, Lauren Gagnon, Annetta Lekas, Nicole Fink and Nicole Ostrovsky – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Event
Krish Deodhar, Cameron Maybodi, David Filanovsky, Yashmeet Gambhir and Kunal Moradiya – International Business Plan Event
Nichelle Clark, Brandon Crawford and Lauren Zimmerman – Public Relations Project
On Friday, West Bloomfield DECA members arrived at The Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center in Detroit where they registered and competed in their selected event. The evening included an Opening Ceremony welcoming students to The State Career Development Conference. Over 3,700 students then gathered into their respective categories for a briefing on their competition. Each student was issued a time slot. After the competition, students had dinner and prepared for Saturday activities.
Saturday included another round of competitions, and a visit to historic landmarks in the city. This was followed by a night at Cobo Hall, where students enjoyed watching a magician and listening to live entertainment.
The weekend ended with the awards ceremony, where students were recognized for outstanding performances for online testing, written research reports and oral presentations.