On April 24th, fifty-six Wayzata High School DECA members hustled through the MSP Airport to compete in the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held in Atlanta, Georgia. At ICDC, over 20,000 competitors, teachers, alumni, and business professionals gathered to showcase their skills in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and hospitality/tourism. Wayzata DECA members had spent months preparing through role-plays, exams, written projects, and presentations, all leading up to this international stage. In addition to competing, members connected with peers from around the world, strengthening their professional networks and gaining valuable real-world experience as emerging leaders in business.

Throughout the conference, Wayzata DECA members demonstrated their dedication and professionalism across a wide range of competitive events. Thirteen members advanced as finalists and placed in the top 20, of which eleven earned top 10 finishes. In addition to the exemplary results, Wayzata DECA’s Prohitt Ram Kumar earned a Hilton Scholarship, securing a $1,000 sponsorship toward his college journey. The following students were recognized for their outstanding achievements at ICDC:

1st Place – Rahul Billakanti (Sports Entertainment Marketing)

3rd Place – Sairam Kapidi (International Business Plan)

3rd Place – Vedanth Srinivasa (International Business Plan)

3rd Place – Mithul Vivekanandan (International Business Plan)

Top 10 – Prohitt Ram Kumar (Business Service Marketing)

Top 10 – Sophia Haris (International Business Plan)

Top 10 – Bani Kahlon (International Business Plan)

Top 10 – Olivia Chiu (International Business Plan)

Top 10 – Ameya Rauniyar (School-Based Enterprise – Retail)

Top 10 – Louis Dang (School-Based Enterprise – Retail)

Top 10 – Darsh Shah (Stock Market Game)

Top 20 – Abhyuday Sood (Personal Financial Literacy)

Top 20 – Akshara Ginne (Community Giving)

From first-year ICDC competitors to seasoned contenders, everyone had taken something away from ICDC. Seniors and seasoned competitors Rachel Manavalan and Akshara Ginne noted that “ICDC was a great way to make new friends. I got to meet so many amazing people from around the world, even people from places like Puerto Rico and even the Czech Republic!” First-year member Allison Zhang exclaimed that “going to ICDC for the first time was truly exciting and regardless of the outcome, you get to meet so many new people and develop professional skills.”

Wayzata DECA is a business-centered club with over 290 members, establishing itself as one of the largest clubs at Wayzata. DECA is designed to help students put what they learn in school into practice while building essential skills that extend beyond their time in high school. By partnering with professionals in the community, members gain real-world business expertise and further develop those essential skills. For more information on helping out Wayzata DECA with sponsorships and presentation or paper feedback, please reach out to [email protected].