This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s April 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
Twelve members of Ward Melville High School’s DECA team have qualified for the prestigious International Career Development Conference (ICDC), set to take place in Orlando, Florida in late April. After excelling at the state-level competition, these students are now preparing to represent Ward Melville on the international stage.
DECA is an international organization that prepares high school students for careers in business-related fields such as marketing, finance, hospitality and management through competitions and real-world experiences. Ward Melville’s team has grown rapidly in recent years. Two years ago, Ward Melville DECA had around 60 members and eight ICDC qualifiers. This year, the club has almost doubled in size to over 120 members and 12 ICDC qualifiers.
Katie Duong, co-president of the club along with Madeena Jalili, added that this growth has been matched by a rise in initiative, saying, “Seeing everyone set up their own practice sessions, give feedback and take charge has been super rewarding.” Jalili and Duong achieved a significant personal milestone this year by winning first place in their event, Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making, at states.
Beyond the competition, ICDC is an opportunity to connect with students from around the world. Jalili, who has been to ICDC two times prior, said that enriching conversations with other competitors were some of her most memorable experiences.
ICDC preparation involves months of practice, with an emphasis on improving confidence, critical thinking and presentation skills. “For DECA competitions, it’s really important to develop confidence in front of judges,” Jalili explained. To help competitors improve, she organized team practice sessions where qualifiers can practice with one another and give constructive feedback.
One of the biggest challenges faced by the individuals heading to ICDC is the pressure of high-level competition. Success in DECA doesn’t come easily — it requires dedication, resilience and a willingness to improve. Jalili credits her success to constant practice in problem-solving, speaking and presenting. “I once struggled significantly with confident public speaking, but through consistent effort alongside my partner Katie, I developed confidence in these areas,” she said. Duong added, “What I love about DECA is how it forces you to get comfortable with speaking and thinking on your feet.”
This year, the team faced the challenge of making the trip financially accessible. “Two years ago, it cost around $2,000 per person to attend ICDC,” Duong explained. “This year, we brought that down to $500.” She hopes this effort “sets a precedent” and shows how impactful district funding can be in making opportunities accessible for more students.
Duong shared that, through DECA, she learned leadership means more than just giving directions; it’s about creating space for others to thrive. “I’ve been competing in DECA since 10th grade, and I attribute a lot of my growth to the community here.”
One of Jalili’s most fulfilling experiences has been seeing others succeed. “Throughout the year, we organized numerous roleplay practices to help members improve their presentation skills, and it’s been incredible to see how far many of them have come.”
While DECA is focused on business, Jalili emphasized that the skills it teaches are applicable to many different career paths, including her own interest in medicine. She said, “DECA isn’t just a business-oriented club. It’s an organization that teaches a wide range of valuable skills for professional settings.”
Ward Melville’s DECA team is excited to go to ICDC from April 26-29, where they hope their hard work throughout the school year will pay off.
