Three members of the Calhoun High School DECA team participated in a successful State Career Conference on March 15, earning them the opportunity to compete at International Career Development Conference in Florida at the end of April.

Sarah Encarnacion, Samantha Fortmeyer and Julia Oladipo also earned Top 10 Overall and Top 5 at the conference and are now one of only four teams from New York State chosen to compete at the national level.

“These three young women epitomize the quality of students that are part of the business curriculum at Calhoun High School,” said teacher Peter Palazzo. “They exude professionalism, confidence and an enduring passion for business.”

Their presentation was on a project involving The Red Door Salon & Spa in Bellmore.

“Our assignment was based on the local business in the service industry and we all agreed that The Red Door Spa is very familiar to the area,” Encarnacion explained.

In order to create a cause marketing campaign at The Red Door Salon & Spa, the students conducted both primary and secondary research. 

“We interviewed the owner of The Red Door Salon & Spa, who helped us develop a survey that we distributed to existing customers,” added Fortmeyer.

Each year the competition involves a different end goal, explained Oladipo, a three-time international competitor.

“We developed the RED plan, which raises money and works with the American Breast Cancer Association to produce products for women with breast cancer, as well as raise awareness,” she added.

“Julia, Samantha and Sarah worked tirelessly and seamlessly on the development of both their business plan and corresponding presentation,” added Palazzo. “Throughout the process, they displayed tremendous time management, organizational and communication skills that are necessary for success in all career paths.”