WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew announces that Pentucket Regional High School’s DECA chapter achieved several honors at the 63rd annual Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference.
Hannah Linehan, a senior from Merrimac, earned State Champion honors in Financial Consulting. For the second consecutive year, Linehan will represent Pentucket at the International Career Development Conference, being held April 23-26 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Two students finished in the top 12 in their discipline. Senior Ava Spencer of Groveland placed in Financial Consulting, while Sophomore Helen Burke of Groveland placed in Principles of Business Management and Administration. Spencer and Burke earned medallions, and will serve as alternates at the ICDC.
Senior Alex Pedersen of West Newbury earned a medallion for a top-six finish in the written portion of Integrated Marketing Campaign-Service.
DECA, a nonprofit business and marketing student organization, works with high schools and colleges to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Seventeen Pentucket students were among the more than 3,000 students who competed in about 60 categories during the three-day conference in Boston. Students prepared for the competition after school through activities to hone their business, leadership, and entrepreneurial knowledge.
The Pentucket DECA Chapter is advised by Special Education Teacher Madison Estes and Business Teacher John Moloney. Estes founded the chapter in the 2018-2019 school year.
“Our DECA Chapter has grown every year, and as a District we are proud of what it has achieved in such a short period,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “We congratulate Hannah for her State Championship, and Ava, Helen, and Alex on their strong performances.”
Estes and Moloney wish to thank faculty, families, and the Pentucket Regional School Committee for their strong support of DECA.
Those interested in learning more about the Pentucket DECA Chapter are encouraged to contact Estes at mestes@prsd.org.
To learn more about DECA, visit www.deca.org and www.madeca.org.
From left, Seniors Ava Spencer and Hannah Linehan, and sophomore Helen Burke with their awards during the Grand Awards Ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District) 
Senior Alex Pedersen celebrates after receiving his award for a top-six exam score in the Integrated Marketing Campaign-Service Category. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District) 
Sophomore Helen Burke receiving her medallion on stage in the Principles of Business Management and Administration category. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District) Senior Alex Pedersen celebrates after receiving his award for a top-six exam score in the Integrated Marketing Campaign-Service Category. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District) 
The Pentucket DECA Chapter, with Advisor Madison Estes, left, and Advisor John Moloney. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
