Over 22,000 high school students, educators, business professionals and alumni gathered for several days of DECA excitement. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, management, finance and hospitality.
Four members of the Saline County Career Center DECA chapter recently returned from the annual International Career Development Conference held April 21-26 in Orlando, Florida.
Students who represented Missouri at this conference were Jaedyn Borja, Avery Evans, Holly Huston, and Bailey Kueker. Events included a 10 and 20-page written report, 10-15 minute presentation and display board to highlight the activities accomplished during the project.
All the SCCC DECA competitors scored in the top 25% of their category and earned honorary achievement in the following categories:
Business Solutions Project Management: Holly Huston and Bailey Kueker
“Fairy Prom Mothers” Project
Innovation Plan Event: Jaedyn Borja
“Cats, Cake, & Coffee Café” Project
Leadership Delegate: Avery Evans
In addition, Holly Huston ran for Central Regional Vice President during the conference, which is a National DECA Executive Office. During this time she went through a series of steps to earn the privilege of running for the position, which represents all 13 states/associations within the region. The steps included passing an exam, Missouri State Board approval, National DECA Board approval, and she presented to the voting delegates during the conference. The final step included the election, which was announced during the Grand Awards Ceremony, April 25, 2023. Ms. Huston was officially elected and will begin her term during the 2023-24 year. Additionally, Holly is the first Missouri DECA state officer to be elected to a national office and the Central Region Vice President is one of the top positions within the DECA organization.
"This was the first time we have had a candidate for a National DECA Executive office. Holly did an outstanding job running for CRVP and our chapter is very proud to have her represent Missouri as a National Executive Officer. Avery Evans was also the first sophomore from the Saline County Career Center to attend ICDC as a leadership delegate. We had a lot of chapter firsts with this trip." said Henley, SCCC DECA Chapter Advisor.
"I am very thankful to have Mary Keller and LeaAnne Evans there to help guide the group and make sure everyone was on track. They were amazing and I appreciate everything that they did for my group. The ladies all represented our school district well and as always we are very thankful for our community's help when it comes to being able to attend this very prestigious competition.” said Henley.