Congratulations to the Glen Rock High School DECA chapter on earning two prestigious recognitions for the 2025–2026 school year: Achievement Level Membership Campaign and Thrive Level Chapter Campaign honors.
Each fall, DECA recognizes leading chapters that have built strong local programs focused on serving an exceptional number of members, advisors, alumni and business partners. These chapters and individuals dedicate their year to academic and career preparation, community service projects, membership recruitment, school outreach activities and other DECA-related endeavors. The chapter’s advisor and student leaders have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to DECA.
DECA’s membership campaign is designed to help chapters grow by making the DECA experience available to more student members, keeping alumni involved and engaging professional members such as administrators, teachers, parents and business partners. Of the 4,364 DECA chapters, only 869 chapters earned recognition in DECA’s membership campaign. “Winning the DECA membership campaign is a testament to our students’ energy, leadership, and commitment,” said Ms. Michelle Della Fortuna, DECA Chapter Advisor and 6-12 Supervisor of Mathematics. “Their enthusiasm for DECA and dedication to growing our chapter truly set them apart, and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievement.”
Additionally, GRHS DECA, moderated by Ms. Della Fortuna and math teacher, Ms. Daniela Matusic, was among 1,188 chapters that achieved Thrive Level recognition during the 2025-2026 school year and will be commended at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held April 25-28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Each fall, DECA offers four campaigns for chapters to complete as part of their program of leadership for the year. These campaigns are designed to grow membership engagement and build lasting partnerships within the school and local community. Chapters that achieve Thrive Level receive a commemorative pennant, flag, and plaque. The chapters also have an opportunity to participate in ICDC.
In order to receive Thrive Level recognition, the chapter completed two out of three chapter campaigns, including the Community Service campaign, Innovations and Entrepreneurship campaign, and Promotional campaign. The Glen Rock High School DECA members who contributed to the Thrive recognition were Lydia Mehreteab ’26 and Anastasia Koval ’26 with the assistance of their advisor, Ms. Della Fortuna. Glen Rock High School DECA’s Promotional and Community Service campaigns provided meaningful opportunities for members to share DECA’s mission while making a positive impact on both the school and greater community.
Through the Community Service Campaign, DECA members led a student-run, door-to-door outreach effort, educating residents about community partnerships and the importance of service while collecting donations. This initiative successfully engaged more than 75% of chapter members and raised $1,377 for Literacy NJ, strengthening the chapter’s connection to the town and highlighting the powerful outcomes of student-led service. In addition, the chapter conducted an extensive School Promotional Campaign through the annual Club Fair and school-wide walkaround, where officers and members engaged students across all grade levels, resulting in 100+ membership applications and growth to more than 50 active members.
Promotional efforts were further amplified through a feature in The Glen Echo, the school’s student-run newspaper, which covered the Mayor of Glen Rock’s proclamation signing recognizing DECA Month and showcased the chapter’s achievements and leadership. To complement these initiatives, DECA utilized interactive Instagram polls to engage students, gather feedback, and tailor outreach efforts, increasing awareness and fostering stronger connections within the school community. Collectively, these campaigns enhanced DECA’s visibility, promoted leadership and service, and reinforced the chapter’s positive impact on Glen Rock High School and beyond.
“Winning this award is a powerful reflection of our students’ leadership, initiative, and commitment to service,” Ms. Della Fortuna said. “They took ownership of every aspect of these campaigns—from engaging our community to promoting DECA within our school—and demonstrated what it truly means to be student-driven and impact-focused. I am incredibly proud of their work and the positive difference they continue to make.”