MSD DECA Earn Top Honors at International Career Development Conference in Anaheim

by Ryan Yousefi May 7, 2024

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MSD DECA photos are courtesy of the advisor, Mr. Eric Garner, and DECA members.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas DECA’s team participated in the DECA International Career Development Conference, held in Anaheim, California, from April 26 to May 1, with the conference culminating in top international honors for a handful of talented students.

Speaking with Parkland Talk, Ethan Klein, MSD DECA’s Vice President of Marketing, described the event’s importance and pathway to the international stage.

“Competition begins at the District level, with the top performers advancing to the state and, ultimately, the international level. This year, our journey to ICDC was fueled by our campaign #AnaHype, building anticipation and excitement among the students and advisors,” Klein explained.

The competition proved successful for MSD DECA, with one team clinching first place internationally and another student securing the fifth position.

“Winning first place was a huge shock.” shared Ananyaa Sutaria and Aneesha Nookala, the first-place winners. “We were confident we would do well but didn’t expect to win the whole thing!”

Sebastian Bagoon, who placed fifth in the DECA Stock Market Game, reflected on his journey, telling Parkland Talk that while he was slightly disappointed by not taking home top honors, the thought of making it in the Top 5 is hard to fathom.

“It was slightly disappointing not to win first after the immense effort and learning over the past two and a half years,” Bagoon said, adding, “But placing fifth internationally is still an extraordinary achievement, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

Klein explained to Parkland Talk how the squad had emphasized the role of MSD DECA’s preparatory practices in their success, including critical feedback from peers that shaped their performances.

He noted, “Our After-School Prep Sessions and ICDC Prep Night, where business professionals provided feedback, were crucial in preparing our students for the competition.”

Klein says the trip also offered students unique experiences beyond the competition, such as exploring Los Angeles and visiting Disney California Adventure —making the event memorable and enjoyable.

“We haven’t been to Anaheim for ICDC since 2017 due to COVID, so it was fantastic to explore and experience new things together,” said Klein.

Looking forward, the experiences from this year’s ICDC will shape the MSD DECA program’s future activities, focusing on engaging more members and enhancing competition preparation.

Klein added, “We plan to implement peer mentoring for specific competitive events, leveraging the insights of students who excelled this year,”

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.