Hightstown DECA December 2025 Newsletter

Already Winners!

On Friday, December 19th it was announced by DECA, Inc. that Hightstown DECA achieved THRIVE Level in the Membership Campaign, Promotional Campaign, and Community Service Campaign. These achievements have earned Hightstown DECA four (4) allocations to the Thrive Academy at this year's DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, GA in April.

Competition Updates

• District Career Development Conference (aka District Competition/DCDC) is Thursday, January 8th, 2026
• Individuals who move on from DCDC to State Competition will be required to make a $50 deposit and complete a commitment form no later than 1/15/26.
• The Virtual Business Challenge (VBC) competition sponsored by Knowledge Matters Round 2 begins 1/13 - Those interested in competing in Round 2 did NOT have compete in Round 1. Entry form linked on Slack for teams of 1-3 members must be completed no later than 1/9.
• Instructional Areas for the District Career Development Conference (DCDC) have been released and members can find them posted on the HHS DECA Site (EWRSD profile required to view).
• DECA+ is accessible to all HHS DECA members by using the link and login information posted on the HHS DECA Site. This site allows members to access practice role-plays and a variety of other tools.
• Prepared Events (formally referred to as paper writers) must submit their final draft via the link on Slack by Monday, January 5th. They must ALSO sign up for Paper Presentation Practice and complete the official NJ DECA and DECA, Inc. paperwork (Statement of Assurances, etc.) which are linked on Slack.
• NJ State Career Development Conference (aka State Competition/SCDC) will take place March 3-5, 2026 at Harrah's Resort and Spa in Atlantic City, NJ. The ESTIMATED cost for attending at this time is $215. This is subject to change.

In order for HHS DECA to be able to compete, the chapter is required to provide JUDGES for the DCDC competition happening January 8th at Kean University.

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!!!! If you or anyone you know is over 21, has worked in business, and is willing to be a Judge, PLEASE send them THIS FORM to complete.

**PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD**

If anyone has questions about what is involved or anything about judging, please do not hesitate to email hightstowndeca@gmail.com for more information.

FUNDRAISING & SPONSORS

Fundraising opportunities are greatly needed. If you have ideas, please reach out via hightstowndeca@gmail.com as soon as possible.

HHS DECA would love to partner with local businesses in the community to participate in fundraising or having sponsors/donations! If this is something you could help the chapter out with, please let us know by emailing hightstowndeca@gmail.com.

HHS DECA is a 503(c) so your contribution would be tax deductible.

At this time, the known events members are financially responsible for include:

• $215 (approximate) SCDC Registration and Housing Fees for those attending
• $2,000 (approximate) ICDC Registration, Transportation, and Housing Fees for those attending

Upcoming Events

**DCDC ROLE-PLAY PRACTICE VIA ZOOM**

January 2-6: Link to sign up is on Slack

JANUARY

5: Final Draft of Prepared Events Due

8: DCDC Competition @ Kean University

9: DECA, Inc. Scholarship Applications Due

13-23: VBC Round 2 on Knowledge Matters

15: $50 SCDC Deposit and Commitment Form Due

15: Chapter Meeting (Mandatory)

26: 20-page Prepared Events Upload Day

30: $50 Installment Payment for SCDC Due

FEBRUARY

6: Prepared Events Presentation Materials Due

9-12: Prepared Events Presentation Practice (Mandatory)

13: $50 Installment Payment for SCDC Due

25: Pitch Deck Prepared Events Upload Day

26: Chapter Meeting (Mandatory)

27: SCDC Final Installment Payment Due

To see the full calendar, please visit THIS SITE.