DECA ICDC

By Mr. Schmitz

Stratford Preparatory Blackford DECA students recently attended the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where they represented both California DECA and SPB on the international stage in competition and leadership academies.

The highlight of the trip was a historic achievement for the chapter. Maanvitha Akella earned 2nd Place overall in the Apparel and Accessories Marketing Series event, marking SPB DECA’s first-ever top 3 finish at ICDC.

ICDC brings together DECA’s top student performers from across nearly all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Germany. This year’s conference took place in Atlanta from April 25-28 and featured more than 26,000 members, advisors, and business professionals, making it the largest conference in DECA history. Students participated in career-based competition, leadership development, networking opportunities, and sessions with internationally recognized businesses. Several SPB DECA students also competed at ICDC after qualifying through California DECA. Eshan Patel, Anneka Prusty, and the team of Ara Datta and Emma Xu competed in their respective events after earning their spots at the state level. Their participation reflected months of preparation, practice, and commitment to developing business, presentation, and

problem-solving skills.

SPB DECA also had three students participate in leadership academies during the conference. Catherine Yang, Horace Nabers IV, and Jahan Vora attended academy sessions focused on leadership development, professional growth, and preparing students to make a positive impact in their chapters and communities. 

“This was an incredible milestone for our chapter,” said Mr. Schmitz, SPB DECA advisor. “Maanvitha’s 2nd Place finish represents the hard work, preparation, and professionalism our students bring to DECA. I am also proud of every student who represented both California DECA and SPB at the international level, whether through competition or leadership academies.”

Congratulations to all of our SPB DECA students for representing California DECA and SPB

with professionalism, dedication, and excellence at the international level.