Northampton Area High School DECA members earned the organization’s highest honors at its annual International Career Development Conference held in Atlanta, Ga., April 25-28.

Students receiving recognition at the international level were Caden Dempsey, Business Solutions Project finalist; Nicholas Isaac, Business Solutions Project finalist; Elaina Takacs, Business Solutions Project finalist; Sarah Constant, Start-Up Business Plan finalist; and Tianna Shammas, Start-Up Business Plan finalist.

During the school year, approximately 250,000 of DECA’s 316,000 high school student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local, regional and state titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development.

The top state winners put their talents to the test during the program’s final round of competition in Atlanta. The DECA International Career Development Conference was the pinnacle of competition, where more than 21,000 students vied for international honors.

“Attending ICDC was truly an extraordinary experience. As chapter president and a senior member, my team and I wanted to create a project that would make a real impact. This opportunity showed me the true reward of hard work, as we were honored to be named international finalists at the conference. DECA has shaped me in so many ways, and being able to walk across the international stage was the perfect way to conclude this chapter of my life,” said Takacs, who was recognized at ICDC.

Shammas said, “DECA has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my high school career so far. It has helped me grow as a leader, improve my confidence and develop real-world business and communication skills. Becoming a finalist was an incredible experience and made all of the hard work and preparation feel worth it. It was the result of months of studying, practicing and refining my performance, and it meant a lot to see that effort recognized. I’m very grateful for the support from my advisers, family and teammates, and I was honored to represent my school and Pennsylvania at the international level.”

This year’s DECA ICDC featured more than 26,000 members and advisers in attendance. In addition to career-based competition, DECA members engaged in leadership academies and networking opportunities with more than 80 internationally recognized businesses and universities.

There are 116 DECA chapters throughout Pennsylvania. Northampton DECA was started in 1976 by Pat Vulcano.

Since the current DECA adviser, Tara Mrazik, arrived in 2001, 674 NAHS DECA members have qualified for the ICDC. The five finalists from this year’s conference are now part of the 33 total NAHS DECA students who have been named DECA finalists.