Houston High Students Advance to DECA International Competition

Four Houston High School students are headed to the international stage after qualifying for the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), one of the largest student business competitions in the world.

DECA is a global organization that prepares high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through competitive events, leadership opportunities, and real-world business scenarios, students build skills in communication, problem-solving, and professionalism. Competitors are tested through a combination of exams and role-play events, where they must quickly analyze a business situation, develop a solution, and present it to a judge.

This year, students Sasa, Yvonne, Rosalyn, and Lillian earned top finishes at the state level, securing their spots at ICDC in Atlanta. For many, the moment they qualified was both exciting and rewarding.

“I was just really excited and I felt really proud of myself at that moment,” Sasa said.

Lillian described a similar reaction, sharing that she was initially surprised before the excitement set in.  “I was very shocked and I was kind of surprised,” she said.

Preparing for DECA requires both content knowledge and adaptability. Students spend time studying business concepts, practicing sample exams, and running mock role plays. However, because competitors are given limited time to prepare before presenting, they must be able to think quickly and communicate effectively under pressure.

“You have to come up with a solution right on the spot,” Yvonne said.

In addition to preparation, students emphasized that confidence plays a major role in success. Being able to clearly and confidently present ideas can make a significant difference in competition outcomes.

Rosalyn noted that strong performances come from both preparation and execution. “We examined the situation comprehensively, and we covered all aspects of the situation, and we provided some out of the box solutions, and structured our presentation very well,” she said.

While DECA centers around business, students say the experience has had a broader impact on their growth. Through competitions and leadership opportunities, they have developed stronger communication skills, confidence, and the ability to think on their feet.

At the international level, the competition becomes even more rigorous, with multiple rounds of testing and role-play events. In addition to competing, students will have opportunities to attend workshops and meet peers from around the world.

For these students, qualifying for ICDC is not only a personal achievement but also a chance to represent Houston High School on a global stage. As participation in DECA continues to grow at the school, their success highlights the opportunities available for future students to get involved and compete.