Photo taken by Ms. Brizzi

By: Jasmine Wong

Last month, St. Augustine’s very own DECA chapter competed at Area 1 Regionals to compete in various business-related events and to gain experience. After sending 100 competitors to compete against other students in the region to get a spot at Provincials, STA’s DECA chapter shattered expectations with a 50% Provincials qualification rate, 77 awards, and four medallists. But how did our chapter pull off one of its most successful years yet?

For many members, this success was a hard-earned journey that began at STA’s second-ever entrance exam. This exam tested the foundational business knowledge of competitors to ensure that the students chosen were determined and had the fundamentals. With over 300 applicants, the selection committee chose 100 students to be part of the DECA team. With hard work, a lot of practice, and stress, the team improved and pushed through weeks of training leading up to Regionals.

The results spoke for themselves, as STA students were recognized across Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, Finance, and Principles events. Whether it was placing in the top written scores, delivering standout roleplays, or even just exemplifying what it means to be an STA student, competitors impressed the judges. The chapter gained 77 total awards, with senior and first-year competitors excelling in their event. 

DECA President Preston Lui’s goal was “to get 50% qualifying rate.” At first, this goal seemed a bit of a reach, considering the last two years’ 21.9% (2023) and 33.6% (2024) Provincials rates. However, the combined effort of the teacher supervisors (Ms. Brizzi, Ms. Tavone, Mr. Giorgi), the trainers, and the competitors showed that the DECA chapter can achieve when ambition meets preparation.

With 52 students advancing to compete on the Provincial level in February 2026, the DECA team is fueled with determination to push past their limits and achieve their individual goals.

Special congratulations to the following students who won awards at DECA Regionals 2025:

Jeremy Wong (AAM) – Top 10 Roleplay

Abigail Lee (AAM) – Top 10 Exam

Brianna Tsang (AAM) – Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Chloe Mac (ACT) – Top 10 Exam

Ted Woo (ACT) – Top 10 Exam

Ronen Bakshi (ASM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall, Regional Champion

Ethan Hou (ASM) – Top 10 Exam

Chris Xiao (ASM) – Top 10 Exam

Jaime Feng (BFS) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Julia Wong (BFS) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Preston Lui (BSM) – Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Peter Lu (BSM) – Top 10 Exam

Brian Huang (ENT) – Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Eloise Nose (ENT) – Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Stefania Cheng (ENT) – Top 10 Overall

Grace Cheng (HRM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall, Regional 2nd

Sofiya Baksht (MCS) – Top 10 Exam

Jasper Hung (MCS) – Top 10 Exam

Azariah Alimridhani (PFL) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Chloe Young (RFSM) – Top 10 Exam

Eddie Zheng (SEM) – Top 10 Exam

Atara Cheng (PBM) – Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Isaac Chan (PEN) – Top 10 Exam

Yash Malshe (PFN) – Top 10 Exam

Trea Yan (PHT) – Top 10 Exam

Shulin Zhang (PHT) – Top 10 Exam

Mila Duong (PMK) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Yifei Wang (PMK) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Jasmine Wong (BTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Alyssa Tsang (BTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Gloria Gao (ETDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Freda Yeung (ETDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Jason Hu (FTDM) – Top 10 Exam

Justin Cheung (HTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall

Pasco Fan (HTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Chloe Huang (HTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Alyssa Lum (HTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Hailey Jong (MTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Emily Yang (MTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall

Doris Wu (TTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Exam, Top 10 Overall, Regional 3rdTrinity Chung (TTDM) – Top 10 Roleplay, Top 10 Overall, Regional 3rd