Darien High School brought home its first international DECA trophy since business teacher Claudia Gray started the local chapter of this club four years ago.
Six Darien students traveled to California to compete against winners from 50 states and five countries at the International Career Development Conference on April 26 — 29.
The students earned the right to compete at the international level by ranking top in their designated competition area in the Connecticut state competition in March.
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— an announcement from Darien High School
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The ICDC event brought together more than 18,000 industry leaders, policymakers, teacher-advisers, and the next generation of leaders in business and entrepreneurship.
Student members from the United States, Canada, China, Korea, Mexico and Spain took part in several days of leadership activities and competition.
DECA’s flagship evaluation process involves students competing in both a written exam or report and an interactive business scenario presentation with an industry professional serving as a judge.
From left to right: Brendan Berrigan, Mila Escajadillo, Paul Hager, Rory Washecka, Owen Stevens and Nadia Czebiniak
Junior Paul Hager placed second in the world in the Restaurant and Food Service Management Series. Paul served as the VP of community service this year.
Senior Mila Escajadillo competed in Business Services Marketing Series, and took home a finalist award for advancing to the top 10 in her category. Mila served as VP of fundraising this year.
With a 14 person member leadership team for 2017—18, Darien DECA looks forward to welcoming new members and adding new activities in the coming school year, and is seeking active involvement from parents and local businesses.
Next year’s international conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.