At the 58th Annual FL DECA Career Development Conference (CDC) in Orlando, Florida, CCHS DECA brought home a record number of national qualifiers.
Out of 102 total CCHS competitors, 50 will be moving on to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, Georgia in late April.
“I believe that it is reflective of the dedication, effort, and enthusiasm throughout our chapter,” CCHS DECA President Aiden Adams said. “Our students took many hours out of their days to stay late and improve their manuals, practice their presentations, and prepare for testing events. Whether or not they will be joining us in Atlanta, I am extremely proud of each and every DECA member for pouring their heart and soul into their respective events.”
“Whether or not they will be joining us in Atlanta, I am extremely proud of each and every DECA member for pouring their heart and soul into their respective events.”
During the ICDC event, all of Florida DECA came to for moment of solidarity and unity for the recent events that struck Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD). Four of the students who tragically lost their lives that day were part of the Florida DECA family, and were dedicated scholarships in their honor.
“MSD received multiple standing ovations and a wave of love and support, which made me proud to be a member of the DECA community,” Adams said.
In addition to these heartwarming events, CCHS also participated in the Helping Hands Drive, which provides baby/infant supplies such as shampoo, wipes and diapers.
In their free time, state competitors were able to spend time at Disney Springs enjoying the multiple shops, restaurants, and attractions available.
It wasn’t until Saturday night at the closing ceremonies that they would learn their fate and see if they would be competing in Atlanta.
It wasn’t until Saturday night at the closing ceremonies that they would learn their fate and see if they would be competing in Atlanta.
“It’s crazy because we weren’t really expecting [so many people to qualify],” ICDC qualifier Danielle Gilchrist said. “It was awesome to just keep hearing name after name being called up.”
During the ceremony, CCHS was among one of the most awarded schools.
“This is really something to be very proud of as normally only 20-30 people qualify for ICDC and we are all excited that so many of us qualified,” ICDC qualifier Kristina Smith said. “A lot of underclassmen, more so than usual, qualified so that was amazing.”
As the night went on, DECA members became more and more proud of their fellow clubmates.
“Seeing so many people going up there and qualifying made feel really proud and makes me excited to go to ICDC and represent out school,” ICDC qualifier Julie Kim said. “I feel like a lot of us will do well at Internationals.”
Looking ahead to ICDC, DECA students are waiting to see if they will be able to achieve the same high number of awards.
“I think [ICDC] is going to be really fun and I hope that we will be as successful as we were at states,” Gilchrist said.
“Each and every student who competed should be incredibly proud of their achievements, and should keeping striving for excellence while representing our high school at Internationals,” Adams said.
Photo courtesy of CCHS DECA
