Students mean business at fifth annual DECA craft fair

Holiday shoppers filled the Wareham High School gym, browsing handcrafted gifts, sweet treats and other creations from some of the area's youngest entrepreneurs at the fifth annual DECA craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The event brought together local artisans, bakers and vendors selling everything from crocheted animals and handmade jewelry to 3D-printed toys.

Among them was 13-year-old Lilly Kelsch, a Bourne High School student selling her handmade jewelry and keychains as well as crocheted animals and hats. Kelsch said she taught herself to crochet by watching YouTube videos. Her parents, John and Laurie, said they were proud of her entrepreneurial efforts. Kelsch has already participated in several craft fairs and has more lined up. 

Another young entrepreneur, 8-year-old Weston Barbosa, sold 3D-printed toys with a particular goal in mind: raising $800 to purchase a 3D printer of his own. He was accompanied by his father, Derek Fernandes, who praised his son's entrepreneurial spirit.

"He's very outgoing and greets all the customers," said Fernandes. "He's a great salesman."

The fair was organized by the high school's DECA program, which provides students opportunities to develop business, marketing and leadership skils through hands-on experiences and competitions.

Now in its fifth year, the craft fair helps students raise money to participate in DECA competitions, which begin at the district level and can lead to state and international events. 

Student officers like senior Donovan Leonardi and sophomore Siya Patel helped coordinate vendors, organize volunteers and oversee operations throughout the day. 

"It's really a nice community event, apart from it being attached to the high school," said Leonardi. 

"I just like how everyone comes together," said Patel.

The event also brought together other school programs and community members. Culinary arts students prepared pulled pork, coleslaw and loaded baked potato soup, while local vendor Rich Bruno volunteered to sell fried dough and hot chocolate, donating a portion of his proceeds to DECA.

Another vendor, Melissa Pechey of Bread and Beauty Wellness, explained that the money vendors pay for their tables goes toward DECA—a cause she was happy to support. She said that she hopes the students come away inspired. 

"Seeing all these entrepreneurs, it's nice for [the students] to see what's possible," Pechey said. "It's just a fabulous event."

Lisa Cunha, a business and marketing teacher and adviser for DECA, estimated that 40% to 50% of this year's student volunteers were eighth graders. Cunha said that beyond fundraising, the event gives students an opportunity to develop professional skills while connecting with the community.

"It's fun to see their eyes light up as they're working, and feel like it's not really work," she said.