DECA students from Henry Ford II High School and Utica High School garnered international recognition at the 2025 International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida this spring.  

From Utica High School, Yvette Orlowski and Nicholas Welch earned first place in the School-Based Enterprise (SBE) Retail competition for the first time in school history. They qualified by writing a 25-page paper on the school store that qualified them for gold SBE certification before presenting a 10-minute presentation to judges at ICDC.  

“Being a part of DECA has helped me grow in numerous ways and taught how to be part of a team. Having the opportunity to go to ICDC was an honor,” said UHS senior, Orlowski. 

Utica High’s DECA students are advised by marketing teacher, Dana Boice.  

“When their names were announced at first, I cried, then I was so happy and excited for them,” said Boice. “This team is the true meaning of hard work paying off.” 

Henry Ford II’s DECA chapter also had a historic year with a record-breaking 30 students making it to internationals. The chapter also received THRIVE Level recognition by completing promotional, community service, ethical leadership, and membership campaigns. 

“The success this year showed how much work our students put into their projects and how much their dedication paid off in the end as they had an amazing, unique experience at the international conference as a high school student,” Henry Ford II marketing/business teacher and DECA advisor, Jennifer Milke said. 

Henry Ford II placed in the top 20 of finalists in the Project Management Career Development event. The Henry Ford II team consisted of seniors Emma Barbura, Brooklyn Kelly and Danielle Melchior.  

“Our project helped me discover what exactly I wanted to go into and furthered friendships that I previously had,” Barbura said. “From starting off as a junior with no knowledge to being top 20 in the nation for Career Development, I feel I have grown as a person and learned how to handle myself when placed in a new environment. Overall, DECA brought me countless opportunities that I never would’ve gained had I not joined.” 

Also from Henry Ford II, junior Dante Zefi received a top role play medal in the Restaurant and Food Service Management Individual Series event.