Six students from the Prior Lake High School’s Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program attended the organization’s annual International Career Development Conference held in Orlando, Fla., in late April.

Prior Lake students attending the conference were: Dhruv Japa, Josh Pascanik, Madi Banas, Liv Zirbel, Lena Johnson and Grace Cullen.

Pascanik earned a top 10 finish in the business finance series.

“This experience has been incredible, from months of preparation to standing on the international stage,” Pascanik said after returning from the conference. “Making top 10 at DECA ICDC is something I’ll never forget.”

During the school year, over 6,000 Minnesota DECA members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete in over 70 events focused in the areas of entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality, marketing and other related fields. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development. After qualifying earlier this year, district winners put their talents to the test during the conference.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition.