DECA hosted its annual Coffeehouse event on Thursday, December 7th. The night was filled with exciting performances from students and teachers who demonstrated their talents for the audience to enjoy. Simultaneously, DECA volunteers were servers and chefs, working hard to make the event a success behind the scenes. 

This year, Coffeehouse was hosted by seniors, Bella Hasset and Vivian Neinstedt. They enthusiastically led the night, introducing performances and cracking occasional jokes to lighten the mood. 

Here’s a brief description of some notable performances that night: 

Early in the night, freshman Aruwyn Connor graced the audience with her voice as she performed “The Ballad of Lucy Gray Baird” from the newly released Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Alongside her was statistics teacher, Mr. Hayes, who showed off his equally impressive guitar skills. “The Ballad of Lucy Gray Baird” is a song that conveys bitterness while delving into the complexities of relationships where love and hate can coexist. 

Mr. Hayes was the unexpected star of the night as he took to the stage once again, this time with senior Vivian Nienstedt. Together they performed Simon and Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair”, a 1966 classic that relays a sense of yearning through its lyrics. 

Next, senior Isabella Hassett took to the stage to sing Taylor Swift’s “You’re on Your Own, Kid”. The coming-of-age song depicts Swift’s rise to fame with a melancholy vibe, reflecting the experiences and emotions associated with teenhood and growing up. 

Junior Olive Karathomas put on one of the most memorable performances of the night with her hilarious rendition of One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. The unique combination of singing, story-telling, and shouting left the audience roaring with laughter. 

Lastly, Coffeehouse would not be the same without chemistry teacher Mr. Deo’s iconic poetry and short storytelling. This year he delivered as always, leaving all in attendance that night wiser and more thoughtful. 

Here’s the list of the rest of the amazing performances of Coffeehouse 2023:

• Madison Ostoff & Diana Tomayo: Lauren Diagles – “You Say”
• Haley Karathomas: Taylor Swift – “Clean”
• Amelia Teigen: Jeff Buckey – “Hallelujah”
• Ms Burns: “Burn” from Hamilton 
• Vivian Nienstedt: Fugazi – “I’m So Tired”
• Mr. Hayes: Rush – “La Villa Strangiato”
• Mr. Gibbs: “On My Own” from Les Miserables  
• James Nienstedt: Genesis – “Horizons”
• Audrey Riquelme: “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar