GLOCESTER – Twenty-three students from Ponaganset High School are headed to the DECA International Development Conference in Atlanta, Ga in April, breaking previous records for the number to qualify for the competition, and raising more than $21,000 independently to fund the trip.
The Foster-Glocester Regional School Committee voted to allocate $8,000 more to make up the difference needed to cover transportation, lodging, food and other expenses related to the competition this week, added to $2,000 the board had previously approved.
The decision followed a presentation outlining fundraising efforts to date by the students themselves that seemed to leave an impression on committee members.
“They planned. They executed. They are tenacious. They’re passionate,” said member Brandon Mara. “I don’t think we see that a lot of the times with the groups that come before us.”
Ponaganset DECA President and PHS senior Nathan West thanked the board for their support.
“It has really helped everyone who attended grow,” said West, noting he’s participated in the international events for the past two years. “I’ve definitely grown as a person and my leadership skills have increased.”
“You are a major reason as to why we can send so many people,” West added. “These students worked really hard in order to qualify at our state competition and I believe they will work just as hard at international competitions to represent Ponaganset.”
“It wasn’t just a business competition,” he said. “It helped everyone to grow and connect, and that’s thanks to you.”
Business teacher Bailey Braga noted that 45 students from Ponaganset went up against more than 700 of their peers at the statewide event in February, and 30 received medals.
“That’s the most that we’ve ever had at Ponaganset,” Braga said.
Braga noted that unlike sports teams, where players who have a bad game will compete again in another day or week, DECA students get just one shot at success.
“They actually prepare for months for one opportunity, and it’s win or go home,” he said, noting the students will then prepare for another 11 months to try again.
Student Nick Frykholm, who serves as co-director of fundraising for the club, placed third in his category at the statewide event.
“This is my first year in DECA and it has already been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Frykholm said. “Your support has played an important role in helping us to continue our program and create opportunities for our students.”
Frykholm listed the group’s successful fundraising efforts to date, including a bake sale that raised more than $600; a caramel sale that brought in more than $18,000; and a basketball halftime competition that raised $1,400 and counting.
The students noted ongoing fundraising efforts include the launch of a March Madness bracket expecting to raise between $2,500 and $5,000, a family potluck dinner and the selling of DECA apparel.
Student Marley Bilotti, a junior who serves as chief marketing officer for the PHS DECA program, noted the requested funding would allow the 23 Chieftains to compete in interactive realistic business settings and challenges against some 25,000 participants in Atlanta.
“I know that sounds like a lot of money but this gives about 7-8 enthused students the opportunity to network, compete internationally,” Billotti said. “This experience will ultimately change their lives as it has changed mine.”
“I started my freshman year will a lot of low self esteem and issues with public speaking,” said Billotti, noting she has since competed in two international DECA events, making connections from across the globe. “I unlocked my passion for business DECA has opened collegiate and career opportunities for me and so many other students like the ones standing behind me.”
Committee member Aaron Dupuis expressed some hesitancy in granting the full amount, noting district policy is to limit such funding to $50 per student.
“We’ve also limited other activities and other groups that came before us to the $50,” said Dupuis, describing the proposed allocation as a slippery slope. “That’s where my reservations are.”
But committee member Amy Ferreira noted she was concerned the students could fall a bit short of what was needed for the trip, negating all their hard work and impressive fundraising.
Member Beth Keeling noted that the district policy leaves the final decision to the committee’s discretion, and added that her hesitancy in funding such trips was reserved for students who hadn’t raised money independently – and expect the district to cover the full expense.
“They even have two kids in charge of fundraising I’ve never heard of that,” Keeling said. “They’ve done their part. I think we can get them over the hump.”
