All photos submitted by Aanya Ranasaria.

Every year, Hamilton DECA sets its sights on one final stage. This year, that stage was in Atlanta, Georgia. From April 24 through April 29, 35 Hamilton competitors made the trip to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), for six jam-packed days of fun and competition.

ICDC is the largest student-run business competition in the world. Over 26,000 high school students represented all 50 states and several other countries — including China, Canada, and Germany. At this level, students represent Wisconsin, not their individual schools.

How It Works

The majority of students complete preliminary competition over two days. For series competitors and projects with a test, day one is a 100-question exam — day two is the roleplay or presentation. For project competitors without a test, half the work is a written portion submitted before the conference, so projects present on one day and receive a free day after. Both tracks may advance to a third day of competition based on finals results, announced at the first awards session. Finalists — the top 20 in each event — compete again that afternoon. Winning scores are calculated and announced at the final awards ceremony later that evening.

Ahaan Saxena explained, “As a first-year competitor, I was definitely nervous about going to Atlanta to compete in my first ICDC. But when I reached, I was blessed with the kindness and sincerity of the DECA community. It was so fun to network, study with my friends for competition, and even party with other fellow DECA members!”

In total, the 35 Hamilton students competed across 20 different events. Each event draws roughly 225 competitors from across the country. Only the best of the best earn medals for their performance — and this year, Hamilton had six events recognized on the ICDC stage.

Results

Seven Hamilton students earned recognition at ICDC awards. Dylan Frankovis received a medal for high achievement on his test. Suhani Shah and Maia Dillow earned a medal for their presentation, as did Elise Davidson. Olivia Thames, Alex Ghere, Elise Davidson, and Vihaan Kulkarni all advanced as Top 20 finalists, earning another shot to compete and earn the top recognition. To put that in perspective: over 100,000 members compete in DECA. Of those, only the top 20 from each event make finals. At the final awards ceremony, Vihaan Kulkarni made it on stage a second time to be recognized as a Top 10 competitor in his event.

Kulkarni reflected, “Seeing the difference between where I started as a freshman to where I am today is crazy. DECA is a full circle experience, going from being the freshman who receives all the help to being the senior giving all the help really puts the growth into perspective. Competition wise, being Top 10 was very surreal and surprising. It was a really nice way to end my DECA career and I will truly miss competition.” Congratulations to all!

The Days

Friday, April 24

The chapter arrived at MKE at 3:45 am for an early flight through Chicago Midway, landing in Atlanta by late morning. After taking the MARTA rail system to the hotel, which was certainly an experience, students checked into the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and had the afternoon to settle in and explore before dinner.

Saturday, April 25

Before competition started, DECA sent students to Six Flags Over Georgia for the day. The chapter tried taking MARTA and a bus to get there, which is not an easy task with 35+ people. By the time the chapter arrived, the rainy downpours had started. With the rides shut down, most of the chapter traveled back to the hotel — not the most fun park experience, but certainly a bonding one. Most of the chapter opted for lunch in the Peachtree Hub, an underground food court and mall system attached to the hotel. That evening, the Opening Session was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as DECA members from all across the world filled the 100s and 200s level seats. During Opening Session, the Parade of Chartered Associations brought Hamilton student Aanya Ranasaria to the floor to represent Wisconsin as the outgoing State President by waving the state flag.

Sunday, April 26

The first day of competition began. Series competitors and projects with an exam sat for their 100-question tests while non-exam project competitors delivered their presentations. That evening, DECA Night at Pemberton Place brought competitors together at the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium — a welcome break before Monday's roleplay rounds. The aquarium and dolphin show were a highlight of the trip.

Monday, April 27

The second day of preliminary competition. Roleplay rounds ran throughout the day, with students given random scenarios and having 10 minutes to prepare before presenting a 10-minute solution to judges. The evening featured DECA Rock the Block on Atlanta's Restaurant Row, with buffet finger foods, a DJ, and a mosh pit of teenagers.

HHS DECA’s VP of Membership, Suhani Shah explained that "the best part of ICDC was the DECA nights, specifically, Rock the Block. The energy was insane and super fun. I was able to interact with many other DECA members throughout the country, and it was an amazing experience."

Tuesday, April 28

The first awards session in the morning announced medalists and finalists. Those students returned to compete again that afternoon in their final rounds, while others took the day to explore the city. The Grand Awards Session was that evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking the end of ICDC.

Wednesday, April 29

The next morning, the chapter left the hotel at 3:30 am, running on minimal sleep, and took a bus to the Atlanta airport. The group connected through Midway on the way back to Wisconsin, arriving at MKE around 11am and heading home from the whirlwind of a trip.

Beyond Competition

However, ICDC is not just about competition. The conference expo had booths from major companies and colleges where students connected with reps about internships, scholarships, and career paths.

However, ICDC is not just about competition. The conference expo had booths from major companies and colleges where students connected with reps about internships, scholarships, and career paths.

The pin exchange is its own tradition. Every year, states bring items to trade. Wisconsin DECA came ready this year: each student received Needoh pins, EXTRA gum pins, and Coca-Cola pins, plus the yearly DECA pin. The physical items were two WI DECA-branded Needohs — wildly popular for trading — and light-up maracas. One member from the Hamilton chapter traded their Needoh in exchange for $45.

Hamilton DECA President, Elise Davidson remarked: “I had an amazing time at ICDC! It was so satisfying to see the culmination of my DECA project, and connecting with like-minded students worldwide was a big highlight. I'm incredibly proud of how well Hamilton performed against international competition this year!"

With that, congratulations to every competitor who made the trip, and to the next wave of students who'll carry this chapter forward!