BPHS students prepare for DECA state conference

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

February 11, 2025

ICDC qualifiers pose for a picture. Photo credit: @bpdecachapter via Instagram

As anticipation builds for the upcoming PA DECA State Conference in Hershey, Pa., BP DECA is preparing for an exciting and competitive experience from Feb. 19- Feb. 21.

This year, BP DECA announced that they will be staying at the Hershey Lodge, a venue known for its warm hospitality and convenient amenities. This follows their stay at the Hotel Hershey last year.

With 75 members out of an astounding 3,500 overall DECA members attending the conference, BP DECA is poised to showcase the hard work, creativity, and determination of our members.

In December, 22 participants qualified at the PA DECA district conference to compete in role-plays, which involve a 100-question test and a 15-minute presentation that will test their skills in real-world business scenarios.

The role-play competition is an exciting opportunity for our members to demonstrate their abilities in a high-pressure, competitive environment.

In addition to the role-play competitors, 53 members will be working on various projects that are equally demanding. Each member will deliver a 15-minute presentation and submit a 10-20 page paper.

These projects encompass a wide range of topics within the realm of business and entrepreneurship, providing members with a unique platform to express their research, insights, and innovative ideas.

The journey to the PA DECA state conference has been filled with intense preparation, teamwork, and collaboration as the club looks to surpass its number of advancing members last year of 28.

Their members have been meeting regularly to fine-tune their presentations, conduct mock interviews, and provide constructive feedback to one another.

This collaborative spirit not only enhances the skills of the competitors but also fosters a strong sense of teamwork among students.

The PA DECA state conference will be a valuable experience for our members as they network with peers from across the state, engage with industry professionals, and gain insight into the latest trends in business.

This event serves as a stepping stone for many members, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their future careers.

As the conference dates approach, all members are encouraged to remain focused and continue their preparations.

Remember, this is not just a competition but an opportunity to learn, grow, and showcase the incredible talents that BP DECA members possess.

BPHS is proud of each member’s dedication and effort and looks forward to an inspiring and successful PA DECA state conference in Hershey.

BP DECA advisor Mrs. Smoller has high hopes for the event, saying: “BP DECA will be bringing a great mix of new and veteran members to the conference. I hope that all of our seniors have a memorable final state conference and that all of our new members have a positive experience that will ignite a light to continue with DECA in the future!”

BP DECA looks to do its best to represent BPHS with pride and ignite the light on their way to the DECA international conference

Bethel Park DECA

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer