HDSB students take top prizes at global business competition

May 22, 2025

Spotlight on Schools

The Halton District School Board is celebrating the remarkable achievements of several students who placed among the top three in the world at the prestigious DECA International Career Development Conference, held on April 26-29, 2025. DECA is a globally recognized organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for futures in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

HDSB students from Abbey Park HS, Garth Webb SS and White Oaks SS earned top honours in various competitive events, showcasing their innovative thinking and business acumen on an international stage. White Oaks SS received the largest chapter award at the event and had 51 students compete at DECA ICDC - the most of any secondary school in Ontario.

DECA International Career Development Conference results

Virtual Business Challenge Entrepreneurship:
First place
Zacharaya Araya, Eason Huang and Christopher Ma from Abbey Park HS (Lead teacher: Krista LoCicero)

“While we put countless hours into preparing our strategy, standing on the international stage represented more than just our work, but also the incredible support behind us, from our amazing advisor at Abbey Park HS DECA, Ms. LoCicero, to our friends and family.” Araya, Huang and Ma say in a joint statement. “We're honoured to represent the HDSB on the international stage and hope our journey encourages you to give new challenges a try. You'll never know where they might lead.”

Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research:
Second place
Annika Hou and Naomika Rohra from White Oaks SS (Lead teacher: Christine Ivey)

Virtual Business Challenge Restaurant:
Third place
Matthew (Yuhao) Qin, Andrew Wu and Emma Zhang from White Oaks SS (Lead teacher: Christine Ivey)

Principles of Finance:
Third place
Maria Polyanska from Garth Webb SS (Lead teacher: Ian Chau)

“When I first heard my name called for top 10 in the world, my heart was racing,” says Polyanska. “But then, when they announced me as third in the world, it was overwhelming. A rush of pride, happiness and relief. Every late night and ounce of effort had led to this moment – and it felt amazing.”

Participation in experiential learning opportunities like DECA directly supports the HDSB’s commitment to Learning, Engagement and Achievement as outlined in the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Through real-world problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking, students apply classroom knowledge in meaningful, authentic contexts that deepen their understanding and prepare them for their futures. Extracurriculars like DECA that foster student voice, leadership and innovation empower students to explore their potential and thrive in an ever-changing world.