Cranford Students Honored For Record-Breaking Year

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford High School's largest organization was honored at the latest Board of Education meeting on Nov. 24 for its achievement over the last year.

The Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) organization prepares students for life after high school and college in business and philanthropic roles that deal with marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Through standardized assessments, business role play scenarios, and community service, chapters can qualify for awards on state, national, and international levels.

Last year, Cranford High School earned "THRIVE LEVEL" status due to community service and promotional campaigns helping out in the community. The chapter was awarded seats at a career development conference held in Florida.

The Cranford chapter has been a part of the district for more than 25 years, and saw its highest hike in membership in 2025. The group now consists of 242 members, a 47 percent jump from the prior year.

The group is sending multiple students to compete in 29 different events at the district competition in January. Competitions vary in areas that include hospitality, tourism, accounting, and other forms of business.

The chapter's president, Dominick Lotito, was also named Cranford's first-ever New Jersey State DECA Officer Candidate.

"This is something that should definitely not be taken lightly...it's really difficult, and it says a lot about Dominick," added Klaire Keogh, Cranford DECA's Vice President of Media. "We're really grateful to have him as our President, and it says a lot about his character."

Keogh was Cranford's first-ever New Jersey Media Team Member at the State Career Development Conference in Atlantic City last year. She is also applying for the title of New Jersey State DECA officer this year.

There are currently more than 10,000 DECA members in the state from nearly 120 schools.

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