WCHS DECA competes at the DECA ICDC

WCHS DECA Chapter participates in DECA ICDC held in Atlanta, GA April 23-26

The Warren County HS DECA Chapter competed in the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) which was held in Atlanta, GA April 23-26. Eighteen WCHS DECA students either competed in events or participated in various leadership academies. This year’s ICDC featured nearly 18,000 student members and advisors in attendance. In addition to career-based competition, DECA members engaged in leadership academies and networking opportunities with over 70 internationally-recognized businesses and universities. During the school year, approximately 100,000 of DECA’s 160,000 high school student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete for district and state titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development. The top state winners put their talents to the test this year during the program’s final round of competition in Atlanta. The DECA International Career Development Conference was the pinnacle of competition where nearly 18,000 students vied for international honors.

Competing in the Financial Literacy Project was the team of Faryn Gorham, Lily Kashner, and Sara Waller. The project focused on teaching elementary aged students about the importance of spending wisely and making wise buying decisions, “The Bean Game: Sprout into Safe Spending” was selected as a Top 20 Finalist and placed 5^th overall nationally. Faryn Gorham stated, “It was one of the best times of my life. I loved meeting everyone from around the world and getting to know them. It was such a surreal experience [placing 5^th in competition] and I can’t wait for nationals next year in Orlando, Florida!” Added Lily Kashner, “An unreal experience that I will never forget. I met so many new people from all over the country and had an amazing time competing, building new bonds, and socializing during the entire trip.”  “This trip was so memorable and unforgettable! I genuinely had such a great time, and being surrounded by so many other competitors and people was incredible. I am so proud of all the work that my team and chapter put in to get there!”, concluded Sara Waller.

The team of Faryn Gorham, Lily Kashner and Sara Waller was selected as a Top 20 Finalist and placed 5^th overall nationally.

Competing in the Business Solutions Project was the team of Alivia Turner and Lucas Weber. The project focused on rebranding the WCHS Drama department’s “Maroon Masques”. Competing in the Sales Project was the team of Sofia Kozhenevsky, Ella Martin, and Kaley Tanner. The project focused on selling lunches, on a weekly basis, to the teachers at WCHS during the fall. The teams of Nick Foltz, Landon Pond, & DJ Rizzo; Natalya Carter and Nicole Ranney; and Ginger Gouda, Jaelin Henry, & Amber Saffer competed in the School-Based Enterprise competition with “Wildcats Corner”, “DECA Tailgaters”, and “Wildcats LIVE!”, respectively. Ginger Gouda commented, “ICDC was a wonderful way to learn about the real world away from my hometown. From meeting new people from all over the country, and in some cases from all over the world, to learning how to navigate a major city. It was truly an unforgettable experience and one that I will never forget!”

Catherine Farley and Breanna Taylor participated in a two-day “Emerging Leaders” Academy at the conference. Breanna stated, “Such an amazing experience, it was so cool meeting people from all over the world and hearing stories about them and their lives. I can’t wait to see what memories I make in future DECA trips!”

The Warren County chapter was also recognized for accomplishing three National DECA Chapter Campaigns in its “THRIVE” category: Membership, Community Service, and Promotional projects.