More than 250 Kentucky high school students from 23 high schools participated in the 2019 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando in April.

During the conference, students had the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, visit the exhibits of schools and companies, and network with colleges, business professionals, judges and fellow students. DECA had its largest ICDC ever, with a record breaking attendance of more than 22,000.

Ninety-three Kentucky students received an Award of Excellence for achieving all standards of performance in the event in which they competed. Three students from the Grayson County Technology Center – Josie McStoots, Abby Hayse and Dylan Geary – qualified for the finals in Financial Literacy Promotion Project. Luke Hutcherson from the Jessamine County Career and Technical Center won a medal for Quick Serve Restaurant Management, being a top performer in Role Play.

Dalton Green, Kentucky’s past DECA state officer and a student at the Green County Area Technology Center, was elected to the post of Central Region vice president. He has been a member of Kentucky DECA since the 8th grade and has served in many different capacities.

“Dalton is not the ordinary. I knew that when he joined and made it to National DECA his 8th grade year,” said his local DECA adviser Sandy Smith. “I am very honored and humble because I have learned as much from him as he has from me. Dalton is DECA, he is everything that DECA represents. I feel confident he will be a leader, professional and alumni of DECA.”

“Kentucky DECA had an outstanding delegation and received several awards and compliments at the International level. This shows how Kentucky is on the right track preparing our students for the future,” said Leslie Bullock, Kentucky’s DECA state adviser.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Educators, parents and business leaders who believe in the mission of DECA should look into how they can be involved with DECA. For more information about Kentucky DECA or how you can get involved, visit the Kentucky DECA website.