The Riviera DECA chapter made school history as 14 Bulldogs competed at the Florida DECA State Career Development Conference, marking the club’s first appearance at the statewide level with more than 1,500 students from across Florida. Students participated in competitive business events that required critical thinking, industry knowledge, and on-the-spot presentations in either role-play or prepared presentation formats, ultimately bringing home top awards and valuable experience for the growing program.
Among the biggest accomplishments, senior and co-president Sofia Bordas earned 2nd place in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling. Furthermore, senior and social media manager Dylan Bibeau placed 8th in Principles of Marketing, both ranking among the top competitors in their categories statewide.
DECA events at the state level are divided into two main formats: role-plays and prepared presentations. Role-plays require students to respond to a business scenario on the spot and present solutions to judges, while prepared events involve months of research, business development, and structured presentations. Bordas competed in a sales-based event in which she had to demonstrate persuasive communication and customer service strategy under timed conditions, reflecting real-world hospitality skills.
Beyond competition results, students emphasized the educational and personal growth gained through DECA. Freshman Angel Del Toro described his first year as both memorable and impactful.
“DECA was a great experience; I can’t wait to come back next year,” Del Toro said. “Getting to be part of the team and competing alongside friends was an experience I will never forget. He also noted bonding experiences during the trip, including visits to Disney Springs and EPCOT.
Co-president Jaida Lewin, a co-founder of the Riviera chapter, reflected on the program’s development from its early stages.
“Sofia Bordas and I started DECA at the end of our sophomore year so it would be ready for students by the start of junior year,” Lewin said. “My experience has been a lot of trial-and-error. DECA is such an intricate club that I didn’t truly know what to expect until I was in it. If something worked, we wrote it down to do it again; if it didn’t, we noted what to do differently next time.”
Lewin also emphasized the importance of differences in preparation between district and state competitions, with districts focusing heavily on testing and vocabulary, while states required greater presentation and role-play readiness. She added that seeing members succeed made the experience especially rewarding, noting how proud she felt watching students place after months of preparation.
Freshman Zoe Alvarado also highlighted the competitive atmosphere of the state conference. “Competing at States was an amazing experience,” Alvarado said. “Being surrounded by so many talented students from across Florida was both exciting and motivating. The atmosphere was very competitive, but it was also inspiring to see how passionate everyone was about their events.” Alvarado added that DECA aligns with her long-term goal of entering the medical field, helping her develop communication and problem-solving skills essential for future leadership roles.
In addition to competition, students experienced Orlando through group activities, including Disney Springs and EPCOT, where members bonded outside of events and celebrated the conclusion of their first state competition season together. These shared experiences strengthened the team’s culture and marked a milestone for the young program.
Riviera DECA’s inaugural state appearance not only produced top statewide finishes but also established a foundation for future growth, leadership development, and continued success. With rising members, experienced leadership, and a growing legacy, the chapter aims to expand its presence and performance in future DECA seasons.
