Thousands of high school students from across the country gathered in Atlanta this year for the 2026 national DECA(Distributive Education Clubs of America) competition, an event focused on preparing emerging leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Atlanta welcomed competitors, advisors, and judges for several days of presentations, role-plays, and networking opportunities.
For Owatonna, this was the biggest group to attend the conference. The group included, Bradley Scharber OHS’s chapter advisor and business teacher, Scott Pierce a retired OHS advisor and teacher, seniors, Mason Klecker, Mubarak Hassan, Paige Pick, Amal Mohamed, Christina Bell, Genevieve Froman, Dylann Norried, and Attley Klemmensen. Juniors, Norah Cederstrom, Grace Mitchell, Cecelia Bauer, and Lowell Schultz, and sophomore, Jae Herzog. These students varied in their schedules at the conference as some attended leadership events and others competed their events that qualified them at the state conference back in March.
The conference known as ICDC(International Career Development Conference) featured a wide range of competitive events, where students demonstrated their skills in real-world business scenarios. Participants were challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, and present innovative solutions to industry based problems beyond competition. The event also emphasized leadership and personal growth.
Senior Dylann Norrid, a competitor this year says, “I participated in the Buying and Merchandising team decision making role play this year and learned lots about how to present myself confidently.”
Attendees had the chance to attend workshops, led by business professionals, explore career path, and connect with peers who share similar interests.
Atlanta’s vibrant downtown provided a notable desination for this event. Many students described the experience as both exciting and intense as months of preparation, led up to their moment in front of judges. Advisors noted that the competition not only builds technical skills, but also boosts confidence and professionalism.
The conference included an opening ceremony, two award ceremonies, and fun events held by the DECA association. Some events Owatonna Deca students attended were the Coca-cola museum, Georgia Aquarium, Six Flags, and with Owatonna deca funded money the Georgia Braves game.
Senior, Mubarak Hassan says, “I participated in the Thrive Academy and got to meet so many people and hear from guest speakers.”
A highlight to these events is always meeting new people from not only Minnesota, but also from all over the world. Pin trading unites these students with differing backgrounds as some students intensely trade pins with different state or country designs.
Top performers students who placed highly in their categories, earned metals and scholarships, highlighting their achievements on a national stage as the 2026 deca competition comes to a close participants leave Atlanta with new knowledge, connections and inspiration for their future careers for many of the experience serves as a steppingstone toward success in the business world and beyond.
For Owatonna this year was a success, as Lowell Schultz placed as a top finisher for his Entrepreneurship Individual Role-Play event and Grace Mitchell and Cecilia Bauer finalized in their School based enterprise-Food event.
