International DECA Conference memorable for Penn students

Posted on May 1, 2016

Penn students Kennedy Parker, Kyle Cather, Kacey Wood, Cassidy Jurkaites, Kendra Laidig, and Danielle Kovach at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Penn High School sophomore Kennedy Parker was part of Penn’s DECA contingent to the 2016 International DECA Conference in Nashville, Tenn. Here is her first-hand account, along with a photo gallery of the event:

On Friday, April 22, six Penn students and emerging leaders traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for DECA’s International Career Development Conference, or ICDC. While in Nashville, the students had the opportunity to compete against, and collaborate with, students from all 50 states, as well as the countries of Canada, China, Spain, Mexico, and Germany.

DECA is a club that allows students to compete in events based on various aspects of business. Events can range from a prepared year-long advertising campaign for a company, role-play marketing interviews, financial consulting, to sports and entertainment marketing.

Penn’s chapter advisor, Mrs. McElwrath, said, “19,000 students from around the world attended the Competition with up to 180 students competing in each event category. Student scores are based on a 100 question comprehensive test and a paper & presentation in each category. Students have been working on papers and presentations since October and studying hard for the comprehensive tests.”

Penn students were very successful in their events,  gaining new business experience and many memorable moments. Here’s a quick recap of each student’s trip from their perspective.

Cassidy Jurkaites – Financial Consulting

Top 10 Presentation Score

Top 20 Finalist Overall

Competency Award (Top 15% in overall combined score for event category)

“My favorite DECA moment was sitting in the front row of the Grand Ole Opry and taking a selfie with Craig Morgan,” Jurkaites said. “People should join DECA for the skills that they can gain: professionalism, confidence, and the ability to speak with anyone you meet.”

Kyle Cather – Professional Selling

Competency Award (Top 15% in overall combined score for event category)

Social Media N@shville Live Correspondent

Read his published article about the Opening Ceremony here: http://www.decadirect.org/April-2016/The-Best-DECAICDC-Opening-Session-in-DECA-History/

Kacey Wood – Advertising Campaign

Competency Award (Top 15% in overall combined score for event category)

“DECA has not only taught me how to dress and present myself professionally, but it has opened up lifelong friendships and experiences that I will cherish,” Wood said.

Danielle Kovach – Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling

Competency Award (Top 15% in overall combined score for event category)

“I love DECA,” Kovach shared. “ It has provided me with real life scenarios that have helped me get jobs, gain knowledge about the field of business and grow with my speaking abilities.”

Kendra Laidig – Elevate Academy

As the incoming Penn DECA President with aspirations to run for a State DECA Officer position, Kendra attended a 2-day leadership academy to prepare her for running our chapter in the 2016-2017 school year and for state elections in 2017.

“I was privileged to listen to past International Executive Presidents who gave their insight on how to lead a DECA chapter. I am so thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with over 300 chapter officers from all across the country to brainstorm new ways to recruit members, prepare for competition, and create a ‘culture of success’ in the DECA classroom.”

Kennedy Parker – Principles of Marketing

Competency Award (Top 15% in overall combined score for event category)

“This was my first year in DECA, and even in just one year I’ve learned so much. DECA has taught me about professionalism, marketing, business, communication skills, and confidence.”

This past year, Jurkaites was the president of Penn’s DECA chapter, Cather served as Vice President of Communications, Kovach served as Vice President of Corporate Relations, and Laidig served as Vice President of Marketing.

Next year, Laidig will be Penn’s DECA president, Parker will become Vice President of Marketing, and Wood will be Vice President of Leadership. These officers-to-be agree that the skills and knowledge gained at this year’s ICDC will greatly benefit their leadership positions next year.

Aside from competitions and conferences, these students had the opportunity to participate in several team building/tourist activities while in Nashville, including zip-lining and attending a concert at the Grand Ole Opry! See photos from the trip below. 

Here are some photos of the Nashville experience for Penn’s students:

Penn DECA students the Hard Rock Cafe.
Pulling off a great escape with four minutes to spare at the Escape Game. 
Penn DECA students on an aerial trekking and ziplining adventure.
A trip to the Grand Ol Opry was a highlight for Penn students. 

Last Modified January 12, 2022