In an impressive display of talent and dedication, 39 students from Irving Independent School District (ISD) are set to represent their schools at the 2024 DECA State Competition in Houston next month. DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, focuses on preparing high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Students who qualify for the state competition participate in an evaluation process based on their career cluster. This process included a written assessment and an interactive segment judged by industry professionals. Success at the state level will open the doors for these students to advance to the national competition.
Congratulations are in order for the following Irving ISD students who have earned the opportunity to compete at the state level in February:
Irving High:
- Brandon Ashworth
- Cesar Cruz
- Arden Harrell
- MaKenna Hearne
- Kaya Jackson
- Gael Leal
- Diana Lemus
- Sarahy Luna
- Joselyn Martinez
- Farra Patel
- Mayra Ponce
- Vitali Romero
- Elvis Rubio
MacArthur High School:
- Sarah Almarifawi
- David Arteaga
- Sean Bonner
- Roland Contreras
- Abrar Elsemeith
- Meerab Faisam
- Grace Fonseca
- Shylee Garcia
- Jennifer Guevara
- Marion Hawkins
- Jacqueline Huerta
- Peter Ivanov*
- Kevin Jaimes
- Katherine Lopez
- Andrew Lubbeck
- Afaf Maliha
- Stuti Mahat
- Love Nighah
- Kalinda Nguyen
- Favour Oguntoy
- Christian Santana*
- Sutton Smith
*Special note: Peter Ivanov and Christian Santana have not only secured a place in the national conference in Anaheim, Calif., but have also earned this opportunity by placing in the top 5 for their video challenge submission on ethical leadership. The national conference is scheduled to take place from April 27 to 30.
Nimitz High School:
- Abril Cardona
- Oscar Cruz
- Daisy Jacobs
- Xiomara Ortiz
The Irving ISD community extends its best wishes to these talented students as they head to the state competition, representing their schools and showcasing their skills in various career fields.
