Sixteen students from Urbana High School DECA traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, from April 25-30 to compete at DECA Inc.’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC), joining more than 26,000 students from all 50 states and several countries, including China, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Urbana High School was represented across several events, including Hospitality & Tourism Operations Research, Community Awareness Project, Community Giving Project, Financial Literacy Project, Franchise Business Plan, Business Growth Plan, and School-Based Enterprise (Food Operations).
The team of Alex Dixon and Brody Donahoe earned recognition as International Finalists, placing among the top 20 projects in the Community Giving Project event.
Medals and exclusive T-Shirts after presenting their presentation in the
finalist round of competition.
More than 180 teams competed in preliminary competition for a chance to advance to finals.
Their project focused on raising funds for youth sports in partnership with the Champaign Family YMCA. The duo exceeded its fundraising goal by generating $13,102.33 through contributions from community members, local businesses, and Powderpuff participants.
The initiative marked its fourth year this season and has now raised a total of $42,558.76 for community organizations.
According to UHS DECA Advisor Thomas Russell, this is the fourth time in the last five years the Urbana High School DECA Chapter has produced International Finalists. Only about 10% of DECA members qualify for ICDC, while roughly 0.5% to 1% are named International Finalists each year.
The UHS DECA Chapter is already preparing for the 2026-27 competition season and next year’s ICDC in Orlando.
Upcoming chapter initiatives include Real Money, Real World, the UHS Powderpuff Game, the Chapter Sponsorship and Banner Fundraiser, and Girls Basketball concessions, along with several new events currently in development.
