Written by Chase Ziegler '24, DECA President

This year at the International Career Development Conference in sunny Anaheim, California, Catholic Central DECA experienced remarkable success for our students and our chapter as a whole.

Leading the way, Nick Leiter ‘25 achieved an outstanding 1st-place finish in the STUKENT Social Media Challenge, demonstrating exceptional business skills and dedication. Carter Barnes ‘25 and Justin Lurz ‘25 secured a commendable 5th place in the Virtual Business Challenge - Retail, showcasing their relentless hard work all year long. Additionally, Matt Greene ‘25 excelled in the first round of the Virtual Business Challenge, achieving an impressive 3rd place.

In this year’s National MDA Fundraising Challenge, the Shamrocks placed 5th overall and took home first place in the state of Michigan! It is truly an honor to have opportunities like this to positively impact people's lives.

But the excitement didn't stop there. Our Shamrocks also took the opportunity to explore the beautiful state of California. They visited stunning beaches, enjoyed the scenic coastal views, and attended an Anaheim Angels game as a reward for their impressive performances throughout the year. These experiences not only celebrated their achievements but also provided many moments not to be forgotten. 

Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and dedication, which have brought pride and recognition to our chapter.