Lake Oconee Academy DECA student and senior, Libby Hopkins, recently represented LOA and Georgia DECA at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held in Atlanta this past April. The conference brought together more than 26,000 students, advisors, and chaperones from across the United States and around the world to compete, network, and develop leadership and career skills.
For her competitive event, Ms. Hopkins partnered with a local business to conduct in-depth research and analyze business-related data. She compiled her findings into a professional written report and delivered a 15-minute presentation to judges during the competition. The experience allowed her to apply real-world business, marketing, and communication skills in a highly competitive environment.
In addition to competing, Ms. Hopkins participated in several exciting conference activities throughout Atlanta: She toured and shopped at AmericasMart Atlanta, one of the largest wholesale trade centers in the world. She also attended DECA Night at Pemberton Place, where conference attendees enjoyed visiting popular Atlanta attractions including the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The conference provided opportunities for students to connect with peers from different states and countries while gaining valuable leadership and career experiences.
As Ms. Hopkins nears her graduation from LOA, she plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall to study Marketing. Her participation and success in DECA have helped prepare her for future opportunities in business and marketing, and this experience at the international level was a memorable way to conclude her high school DECA career.
Participating in DECA’s International Career Development Conference is a significant accomplishment, especially because this was Lake Oconee Academy’s very first year having a DECA chapter. Advancing to and competing at the international level during the chapter’s inaugural year highlights Ms. Hopkins’ hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. She represented both her school and community exceptionally well throughout the event.