DECA is by far one of the most popular clubs held at Wakeland and it never seems to disappoint. 

DECA is a club where people can compete in many different competitions that relate back to marketing, finance, hospitality and tourism, and business management and administration. There are individual and team events, and everyone is welcome to join. 

The Wakeland DECA program is known for being one of the most competitive schools with 105 students qualifying for state. 

After state, ICDC takes place. ICDC is nationals for DECA, where competitive events can have over 70,000 competitors. Wakeland had 38 competitors qualify for ICDC this year. 

“Wakeland had their best showing this year bringing home a first and second place award,” DECA advisor Mr. Drenowatz said. 

Sophomores Sarah Sonny, Natalie Tebeaux, and Samantha Stein competed in Start-Up Business Plan and got first place in the world in the most competitive event. Last year, they got fourth at ICDC while competing for their very first time. 

Seniors Aditi Singh, Ava White, and Peyton Simpson competed in Buying and Merchandising Operations Research and got second place in the world. 

But they were not the only ones who finished on top. Seniors Nikitha Bolla and Kethana Uppalapati competed in Business Operations Research and finished fourth place overall.

Junior Sree Erramilli and senior Samuel Underly competed in School-Based Enterprise – Food Operations. “This event is for our school store, The Cave, which is regarded as the best in the state [of Texas] and top five in the nation,” Drenowatz said. 

Lastly, seniors Grace Rhee, Luke Rulon, and Karina Garza competed in Franchise Business Plan and finished top 10 in the world. 

Congratulations to all of our DECA ICDC competitors and World Champions!