DECA is excited to highlight Zach Lisella of Northern Highlands Regional High School in New Jersey as our first Advisor Spotlight of the Week!
Mr. Lisella was nominated for his exceptional and innovative approach to competition preparation. He has designed a comprehensive and highly effective prep model with a dedicated “Test Practice Week,” where students are grouped by career cluster to build study skills and content knowledge collaboratively.
This targeted approach ensures that each student receives support tailored to their event focus, fostering content mastery and confidence.
"We require all chapter members to take a minimum of two practice tests before each level of competition,” explained Mr. Lisella. “We have an accountability system that we use to keep students involved and motivated, so they can earn additional credit for each practice test they take. We run some practice testing sessions before and after school, but students are also encouraged to use resources like DECA+ and our internal study guides on Canvas to familiarize themselves with testing material and best practices.”
While he does not approach a specific instructional area each week of prep, Mr. Lisella does run different training sessions based on the different cluster exams. This helps him align groups of students with their peers who are testing on similar material. Mr. Lisella also urges students to use the exam blueprint published by DECA as a resource.
Following this, students participate in a “Role Play Practice Week,” during which they rotate through mock scenarios to sharpen their presentation and problem-solving skills in a structured yet engaging environment.
The highlight of Mr. Lisella’s competition prep is the annual "DECA Prep Night,” a massive event that brings together over 300 students and dozens of community members who volunteer as judges.
“A large amount of assistance for our DECA Prep Night comes from parents and local community members,” Ms. Lisella shared. “We find that most volunteers have such a positive experience working with the students, along with being impressed by what the program entails, that they are usually very willing to return each year.”
Mr. Lisella’s chapter also has a relationship with the local Chamber of Commerce, which helps them form relationships with local businesses. “We have a significant number of local business members who continue to assist us each year, and the Chamber even sponsors a DECA scholarship each year,” Mr. Lisella added.
Members complete real-time practice role plays in a simulation of the competitive environment, receiving authentic feedback from professionals. The scale and impact of this event speak to Mr. Lisella’s tireless dedication to member success and his ability to build strong community partnerships.
Under his leadership, the Northern Highlands DECA chapter has grown to become the largest in New Jersey, with nearly 70 students qualifying for ICDC this past year—a true testament to the strength and excellence of his program.
For other advisors wanting to create or implement a similar “DECA Prep Night” in their own chapters, Mr. Lisella shared this advice:
“I recommend leaning a lot on your administration and your parent volunteers. Start by encouraging them to come to the district conference so they can clearly understand what DECA is. Working firsthand with the students and seeing how impressive the role play and project preparation processes are is so eye-opening; they will genuinely want to help. Both the district and parents will understand how much students benefit once they can experience the variety of positive skills students gain from being in DECA - such as teamwork, collaboration, interview skills, and creative thinking.”
Thank you to Anthony Sagliocca for nominating Mr. Lisella. You can submit an online nomination form here if you know of a DECA advisor who should be recognized for his or her innovative best practice. We can’t wait to see who the next “DECA Advisor of the Week” will be!
