Holy Family DECA Raises the Bar with a Standout District 4 Performance

In just its second year, Holy Family DECA is no longer introducing itself to the Minnesota DECA community. It is establishing itself as a force. Building on the foundation laid last season, Holy Family students delivered a remarkable showing at the District 4 Competition, turning heads across the state with both the depth of participation and the level of excellence on display.

Competing in District 4, one of eight DECA districts in Minnesota, Holy Family once again went head-to-head with some of the largest and most established programs in the state, including Elk River, Maple Grove, Rogers, Coon Rapids, and Anoka. Against schools with enrollments and DECA rosters many times larger, Holy Family did not just keep pace. It stood out.

Out of 96 Holy Family competitors, an extraordinary 77 students advanced to the State DECA Competition. That represents an 80 percent advancement rate. For a program in only its second year, those numbers speak volumes.

Standout Performances

Holy Family students earned top finishes across a wide range of competitive events, showcasing both preparation and versatility:

• Anna Buelow and Zack Sevcik placed 1st and 3rd respectively out of more than 200 competitors in the Employment Interview Advanced Level event.

• Skylar Rose earned 1st place in Apparel and Accessories Marketing.

• Violet Wardlow, competing in DECA for the very first time, finished 4th out of 150 participants.

• Will Otteson stepped into a brand new event, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, and placed 2nd out of 29 competitors.

• Isabel Black and Mirabella Jiovanazzo placed 2nd overall in the Marketing Management Team Decision Making event.

• In the Principles of Marketing event, Holy Family achieved a clean sweep out of 40 participants:

  • Griffin Johnson placed 1st

  • Nicholas Colistra placed 2nd

  • Jimmy Carraux placed 3rd

These results reflect not only individual excellence, but also the strength of Holy Family’s preparation across disciplines and experience levels.

By the Numbers

• 96 students competed

• 77 students advanced to State, an 80 percent advancement rate

• 25 total events represented by Holy Family students

• 22 total Top 3 finishes across 25 events

  • 8 first place trophies

  • 10 second place trophies

  • 7 third place trophies

• Average exam scores increased by approximately 28 percent compared to last year

• 43 percent increase in students qualifying for State year over year

These gains are especially impressive given the level of competition and the size of the programs Holy Family faced. They signal a program that is growing rapidly in both confidence and capability.

From the Advisors

Robb Richter, Holy Family DECA advisor and business program instructor, shared:

“In only our second year in DECA, our students achieved incredible results. We saw a 43 percent increase in students qualifying for State and a 28 percent increase in exam scores versus last year. Our students understood the opportunities this year and embraced them with their preparation and dedication. From our business curriculum to speech courses and bi weekly chapter meetings during lunch, HF students are prepared to present to professionals from multiple fields. We are turning heads and taking home hardware.”

Sam Puff, DECA advisor, added:

“I am extremely proud of everyone’s performances. Our students were flexible, shifted schedules with ease, and represented Holy Family as great sports and strong competitors throughout the weekend.”

As Holy Family DECA continues to grow, one thing is clear. What began as a promising program is quickly becoming a benchmark for excellence. With momentum building and State competition ahead, this year’s results mark another milestone in a program that is just getting started.