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JSerra Students Excel at SoCal Regional DECA Competition

JSerra Catholic High School’s DuPont Business Magnet Program achieved historic success at the Southern California Regional DECA Competition in Costa Mesa this earlier this month. Competing against some of the most prestigious public and private high school business programs from Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, 22 of our students showcased their skills in a highly competitive field of approximately 800 participants.

Against tough competition, our students placed as finalists in their respective categories, with five earning medals and three securing top overall awards. This marks JSerra’s most successful DECA competition ever, setting a high bar for future competitions.

Top Winners & Medalists

Sophomores Caylin Fischer and Meredith Stellar made an extraordinary debut, taking 1st place overall in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Event. Competing in their very first DECA competition, they outperformed seasoned upperclassmen—a remarkable achievement. Senior Hailey Klein, President of JSerra’s Business Magnet Program, continued her outstanding track record with a 1st place medal in the Food Marketing Series and 2nd place overall in the same category.

Other standout performances included:

  • Blake Fredericks – 2nd & 3rd place medals (Quick Service Restaurant Management)
  • Sharlene (Shang Jia) Li – 3rd place medal (Sports & Entertainment Team Decision Making)
  • Makena Kwon – 2nd place medal (Human Resources Management Series)
  • Emily Zimmerman – 1st place medal (Entrepreneurship Series)

Additionally, 16 students were named finalists in various categories, showcasing JSerra’s depth of talent and preparation. 

  • Blake Fredericks
  • Brady Schaefgen
  • Sharlene (Shang Jia) Li 
  • Emily Zimmerman
  • Cash Feldkamp
  • Merideth Stellar
  • Paulina Kolenic
  • Hailey Klein
  • Bruce Huynh
  • Axel Olander
  • Caylin Fischer
  • Grace (Catherine) Sprague
  • Makena Kwon
  • Madison Huynh
  •  Audrey Dowd

Looking Ahead to State Competition

The success at regionals means JSerra will advance to the California Statewide DECA Competition in Anaheim in early March. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to compete at an even higher level and continue their journey of excellence in business education.