By Jonathan Araujo

This spring, Hopedale DECA proudly sent 19 of its brightest members to Orlando, Florida to represent Massachusetts at the 2025 International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Held annually, ICDC brings together more than 24,000 high school DECA students from across the globe for a week of competition, networking, and leadership development.

A Global Stage for Future Leaders

Hopedale students earned their spot at ICDC through outstanding performances at the Massachusetts DECA State Conference in March. Once in Orlando, they joined thousands of peers to showcase their projects, participate in leadership academies, and gain valuable real-world business experience.

Several Hopedale DECA members expanded their horizons through the prestigious Leadership Academies, Thrive and Elevate, which focused on developing leadership, teamwork, and chapter improvement strategies. Attendees included juniors Charles Gingras, Avery Miller, Emma Friesema, Kate Friesema, Madelyn DiMaio, Rose Deering, and Ryan Thompson.

Competing on an International Stage

In the competitive events, Hopedale students went head-to-head with approximately 200 top-performing teams in each event category. These included intensive project-based competitions, where students submitted 20-page papers or completed exams, then pitched their findings to industry professionals.

Participants included:

• Project Management: Financial Literacy: Jonathan Araujo, Leah Hodgdon, Patrick Madden and Sales Project: Riley Mulligan, Daniel Carroll, Ella Innocent

• Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research – Business Services: SEOR: Charles Keyes, Nofer Meshrekey, Emily Oliver

• School-Based Enterprise – Retail Operations: Alex Goode, Savannah Sene

• Roleplay - Restaurant Food Services - Josiah Lefever

A major highlight came from the School Based Enterprise team of Alex Goode and Savannah Sene, who placed in the top 20. As well Josiah Lefever who placed with a top 10 test score in Restaurant Food Services category.

Community Support Makes It Possible

Behind Hopedale DECA’s ICDC success was a generous and dedicated community. Thanks to months of local fundraising — including events like the DECA Dodgeball Tournament, Egg My Yard, can drives, car washes, and the online popcorn fundraiser — the chapter raised an impressive $24,000. This support reduced the individual cost of the 5-night trip from $1,650 to just $550 per student.

Platinum-level sponsors, including Service Credit Union, D&M Auto Parts, Service Credit Union Impact Foundation, Hopedale Foundation, Water Street Meat Market, and Synergy Waste Management, were instrumental in making the trip possible. Hopedale DECA extends a heartfelt thank you to all community members, families, and sponsors who helped make this unforgettable experience a reality.

Looking Ahead

With strong finishes, life-changing experiences, and valuable skills gained, Hopedale DECA continues to prepare the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. The 2025 ICDC was not only a competition - it was a celebration of hard work, growth, and the power of community. The inaugural DECA Dynasty: Night of Champs awards night will be held on May 27, 2025 to celebrate the entire chapter’s work throughout the 2024-25 school year. Check back next month for an update!