Distributive Education Clubs of America, better known as DECA, is one of the most prestigious business extracurricular clubs through hundreds of high schools across America. 

This year, six Lawson students placed highly in DECA’s State Development Conference, qualifying them to compete in DECA’s International Development Conference, held for a week in Anaheim, California.

 Juniors Chaz Covington, Jack Ferrier, Preston Russo, and Ruby Cano, with sophomore Hayden Seator and senior Grace Chen, along with Lawson’s DECA Advisor, Brad Bishop, all boarded a flight to Orange County, California, to take part in the International Conference on April 25th.

Upon arrival, Lawson students were joined by other Tennessee qualifiers at the Cambria Hotel, a designated hotel for all 1,500 Tennessee participants.

“It is already an honor to be at the International Conference; if you think about it, there were over 238,000 DECA members this year, but only 23,000 students were selected to compete at this international stage,” DECA Advisor Brad Bishop said. 

 Not only did the Lawson crew compete internationally in their respective events at the Anaheim Convention Center, but they also had the unique opportunity to network with business professionals, engage in international pin trading with students from across the nation, and explore the vibrant city of Anaheim for four days. 

In addition to exploring the city separately, the Lawson crew also went to California Adventure, a part of Disney that included many thrilling rides, such as the Incredicoaster, Grizzly River Run, and the Swinging Gondola, giving Lawson DECA members an experience of a lifetime. 

“While we didn’t qualify for international finalists, we still experienced the DECA difference,” DECA member and sophomore Hayden Seator said. 

The Lawson crew returned to Nashville, Tennessee, on the 29th with renewed determination to expand and return better than ever to the international conference next year in Orlando, Florida. 

Go Lightning!