(05/03/2024) Coon Rapids High School took 11 DECA members to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, California. Each displayed their tremendous leadership, marketing, business, and entrepreneurship skills competing alongside 23,000+ other DECA members from around the globe. 

At the conference Coon Rapids High School DECA was recognized as a top 10 fundraising chapter in the nation for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The Coon Rapids chapter raised the 4th most in the nation for MDA, and donated over $6,500.

The conference also provided our competitors some wonderful experiences at the Disneyland, Angel Stadium, and other attractions in southern California.  We asked Anna Kelley, one of the senior competitors, what were some of her favorite things about the DECA ICDC.  Kelley said, “Everything in Anaheim was super fun, especially the weather, and bonding with my chapter.  The best part was the opportunity to network and compete with the best students in the world.”
  
This conference had incredible things in store for some of the underclassmen, as well.  ICDC offered additional leadership academies to help students network, work together as a team, collaborate on ideas, and utilize critical thinking skills.  Freshmen Magret Kamwendo said, “This was one of the best experiences I have ever had! I am learning real things, that will benefit me now, and in my future.   All in all, I have made some amazing connections and met wonderful people from around the world.”

DECA Advisor Blake Bodenburg said another highlight of this conference was seeing our top competitors go up against some of the best students in the world. Bodenburg said, “They put in a ton of effort fine tuning their projects and presentations. To see them deliver their best presentations of the year… that was inspiring and rewarding at the same time.”  Bodenburg would also like to congratulate every DECA member at Coon Rapids High School for a wonderful year of competition.  Good job DECA!

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for future roles in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.  For more info on DECA contact DECA advisor Blake Bodenburg at Blake.Bodenburg@ahschools.us