In the competitive world of business, Whitefish High School and Glacier High School DECA students put their skills to the test recently at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Hundreds of students competed for the top three spots in a variety of competitive events through role playing, presentations and written research to test members on their knowledge in marketing, finance, business management administration, and hospitality and tourism management careers.

The DECA International Career Development Conference is the pinnacle of competition where thousands of students vie for international honors. 

Whitefish DECA students Bergen Carloss, Walter Sobba and Sam Benkleman made it to finals with their entrepreneurship innovation plan, placing in the top 20 overall out of 300 to 400 teams, according to adviser Jeremy Anderson.

Two Whitefish DECA members achieved ranks in the top 10 for case study events including Arden Greenwood in the retail merchandising category and Keaton Grove in sports and entertainment marketing category.

While Glacier DECA chapter members did not make it to finals, advisor Josh Munro said they had a great time competing and learning how companies market and sell their products such as Disney and Universal.

DECA is an international nonprofit organization for high school and college students.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.