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Oklahoma DECA members compete at national conferences

Friday, July 05, 2024

Collegiate and high school members of Oklahoma DECA earned impressive results at their respective International Career Development Conferences.

Both conferences offered students opportunities to compete in business simulation events, network with industry professionals and develop valuable career skills, said Paxton Cavin, Oklahoma DECA adviser at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

Secondary Oklahoma DECA took 175 members from 19 chapters to 2024 ICDC in Anaheim, California, where they competed among 23,000 national and international students.

Ayla Relland, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, finished second in community awareness project, marking Oklahoma DECA’s first top three international placement in more than 20 years.

Five other Oklahoma students also returned with top honors: Antoni Lompart, Norman North High School, top role play position in restaurant and food service management; Abigail Robertson, Edmond North High School, top presentation and finalist, principles of hospitality and tourism; Jonathan Alakara, Edmond Santa Fe High School, top presentation and finalist, principles of marketing; and Natalie Dick and Joanna Quezada, Mustang High School, finalists, business solutions project.

Oklahoma DECA fostered leadership and professional development at the conference. Peighton Harak, Edmond North, mounted a strong campaign for Collegiate DECA president, and Subaha Kibria, Edmond Santa Fe, represented Oklahoma during the parade of associations.

Also, Katrina McDowell of High Plains Technology Center served as director of the principles of marketing event at the national level.

“This is a historic moment for Oklahoma DECA,” Cavin said. “The second place win and the numerous finalist awards are a testament to the dedication of our students, advisers and the success of the Aim for Glass competition initiative launched last year.

“The impressive showing at the 2024 ICDC solidifies Oklahoma DECA as a powerhouse in business education. These experiences equip students with invaluable skills and fuel their passion for future careers in the dynamic world of business.”

Seventeen Oklahoma Collegiate DECA members, representing the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Baptist University and Francis Tuttle Technology Center - Rockwell, attended their 2024 ICDC in Austin, Texas, alongside 1,500 national and international collegiate DECA members.

Two students, both from OBU, placed in the top 10 in competitions. Sydney Gardner was a top presentation finalist title in human resource management and won first place. Andrew Gardner was a top exam and top presentation finalist distinction in corporate finance and placed ninth overall.

Oklahoma Collegiate DECA members also played a significant role in the conference, Cavin said. Maryam Amin, OU, completed her term as Collegiate DECA executive vice president; Darius Williams, Francis Tuttle Tech, represented Oklahoma on stage during the parade of associations; and Brenda Martinez, Francis Tuttle Tech, served as a voting delegate.

“We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our Oklahoma Collegiate DECA members,” Cavin said. “Their dedication, hard work and competitive spirit were on full display at the ICDC. We are also grateful for the outstanding leadership provided by our students who served in key roles at the conference and are thrilled to provide opportunities for our postsecondary Oklahoma DECA members.

“The success of Oklahoma Collegiate DECA at the 2024 ICDC highlights the strength of the state's business education programs and the talent of its students. These experiences will undoubtedly prepare them for future success in their chosen career paths.”

DECA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. It is affiliated with marketing education. The other six are FCCLA (family and consumer sciences education), FFA (agricultural education), SkillsUSA (trade and industrial education), Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education), Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and HOSA (health careers education).

 

Oklahoma CareerTech: Education that works for you

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 60 campuses, 397 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.

The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.

Last Modified on Jul 05, 2024
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