The Anthony Wayne High School-Penta Career Center DECA Chapter has once again demonstrated its excellence in business and leadership, achieving remarkable success at the recent state-level competition. With 24 students making it to the finals across 15 events, the chapter’s achievements highlight the dedication and talent of its members.
Notably, 15 students have earned the opportunity to advance to the prestigious International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida next month, where they will compete among the best DECA students from around the world. Their hard work, creativity, and commitment to professional development continue to set a high standard for future DECA competitors.
National Runners Up - International Qualifiers
Invest Innovation in Action Corporate Challenge
A historic achievement for the chapter, the team of Aradhya Muthumula, Arjun Jayaraman and Aanya Kakrecha took second place in the nation for their video project in the Invest in Innovation Action: Driving Next Gen to Insurance Careers competition. The team was tasked with creating a persuasive video encouraging GenZ students to consider insurance careers. The category received over 150 entries, so their ideas truly stood out from the competition. The trio will accept their award onstage at ICDC.
“It was such a welcome surprise to find in my inbox,” said Becky Stutz, Chapter Advisor who learned about their award via email. “I’m immensely proud of this group and all of the competitors who have been working so hard to prepare their projects.”
In addition to the conference recognition, the team will split a $1,000 award and be featured on Invest’s Hall of Fame webpage and social media platforms. Each winner interested in pursuing an insurance career will also be eligible for a $500 Invest Classroom to Career Scholarship.
The AWHS DECA Chapter is a satellite program of Penta Career Center advised by Mrs. Becky Stutz.
Top Three State Finalists - International Qualifiers
2nd Place
Addi Grooms and Victoria Robinson - Business Law and Ethics Team
Madeline Johnston - Business Services Series
3rd Place
Ashlyn Shafer - Marketing Communications Series
Emma Abraham, Sophie Snyder and Brode Sweet - Integrated Marketing Campaign
Maddock Hires - Business Finance Series
Aliyah Khalil - Principles of Business Management and Administration
 Victoria & Addie |  Madeline |  Ashlyn |
 Emma, Brode & Sophie |  Maddock |  Aliyah |
Special Recognition in the Virtual Business Challenge Competition
1st Place in Ohio
Arjun Jayaraman and Aradhya Muthumula - Virtual Business Challenge: Accounting
2nd Place in the Central Region: ICDC Qualifiers
Alex Bischoff and Billy Dean, - Virtual Business Challenge: Personal Finance
 Alex, Billy, Aradhya & Arjun |
Top 12 State Finalists
5th Place
Miley Denman and Lydia Fabian - Integrated Marketing Campaign, Product
Brody Sutto, Mason Taylor and Jaythan Voltz - Start-Up Business Plan
6th Place
Mallory Syrek - Accounting Applications Series
Arjun Jayaraman and Garrett Smith - Marketing Management Team
Arjun and Garrett will also attend ICDC. They advanced when another team was unable to attend the next level of competition.
8th Place
James Geary - Entrepreneurship Series
Gianna Distefano and Piper Tully - Start-Up Business Plan
7th Place
Hayden Holesko and Tyler Shaw - Travel and Tourism Team
11th Place
Lauren McGurk and Aubrey Youtzy - Travel and Tourism Team
 Lydia & Miley |  Mason, Jaythan & Brody |  Mallory |  Arjun & Garrett |
 James |  Piper & Gianna |  Tyler & Hayden |  Lauren & Aubrey |