East Paulding High School DECA Members Shine at ICDC

East Paulding High School students showcasing their skills at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando.

News Summary

The DECA chapter from East Paulding High School recently participated in the 2025 DECA International Career Development Conference held in Orlando, FL. With over 26,000 attendees, the event showcased competitions and networking opportunities that developed the students’ business acumen. The conference highlights DECA’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers through hands-on experiences and collaboration with top industry professionals.

Orlando, FL – The DECA chapter from East Paulding High School participated in the annual DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held from April 25-30, 2025. This prestigious event drew in over 26,000 DECA members and their advisors from nearly all 50 states, as well as international participants from Canada, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and China.

The conference featured a range of career-based competitions, leadership academies, and extensive networking opportunities with representatives from over 80 globally recognized businesses. These events aimed to showcase the talents and skills of top student performers, including those from East Paulding High School, who competed against the brightest young minds in the field.

This year’s gathering marked a significant milestone in DECA’s influence, with about 195,000 of its 293,000 student members participating in the organization’s competitive events program during the academic year. These competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios, helping students assess and develop their academic understanding and practical skills in a professional environment.

The DECA ICDC not only celebrates the achievement of the participants but also provides a platform for students to test their business knowledge in real-time competitions. Top state and provincial winners faced off in final rounds as part of the program in Orlando, demonstrating their capabilities in various business disciplines.

About DECA

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is a career and technical student organization that concentrates on enhancing students’ education in fields such as marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. By integrating learning with hands-on experiences, DECA prepares members for both college and career success. This non-profit organization comprises over 298,000 members within 4,450 high school and college chapters across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Germany.

Throughout its history, DECA has committed to fostering professional responsibility and leadership among its members. The organization provides a co-curricular approach that aligns educational content with real-world business practices, thus empowering students to become not only academically competent but also community-oriented individuals.

Impact and Opportunity

The numerous competitions at the conference are conducted in a supportive environment aimed at enriching student learning and encouraging competition among peers. This enables participants to not only showcase their skills but also network with industry professionals who can offer insights into potential career paths and opportunities.

The leadership academies offered during the conference are designed for students to enhance their leadership qualities, further preparing them for future roles in their careers. With the additional exposure to global business practices and innovative strategies, East Paulding High School’s DECA members are well-equipped to apply their newfound knowledge and experiences in real-world scenarios.

In conclusion, the DECA International Career Development Conference provides invaluable experiences for students at East Paulding High School, offering numerous opportunities to grow academically and professionally. As participants return home, they carry with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, and memories that will guide them on their journey toward successful careers.