Nine Lake Oconee Academy student officers recently traveled to Atlanta for the Georgia DECA's Fall Leadership Conference, returning with individual honors, chapter recognition, and valuable experiences in professional development and community service.
DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The conference brought together DECA members from across Georgia for networking, professional development, and competitive events designed to strengthen their business and career readiness skills. LOA students participated in competitions including Job Interview and Marketing Role Play, with Addi Everett and Kaitlyn Mamay earning top-two placements in their Marketing Role Play group.
Five LOA students also received the DECA Statesman Award. Kaitlyn Mamay, Addi Everett, Alley McCullough, Olivia Sweeney, and Hailey Resende-Pereira earned the distinction, adding to an impressive showing for the school's DECA chapter.
In addition to individual accomplishments, LOA DECA received recognition for surpassing 100 chapter members, participating in Georgia DECA's Local Officer Training, and supporting the organization's statewide community service initiative.
As part of that initiative, LOA's chapter donated hygiene kits intended for distribution to children experiencing homelessness across Georgia. Two LOA officers also helped assemble kits during the conference, putting the chapter's commitment to service into action.
For chapter advisor Kati Mize, the conference represented an opportunity for students to build skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
"I'm incredibly proud of our entire DECA chapter for coming together to collect the supplies and donations needed for the hygiene kits," said Mize. "I'm especially proud of our officers and the leadership they've demonstrated this year. Leading a club of more than 100 members is a big responsibility, and these students have truly given it their all, both at the conference and in everything they're doing for our chapter. Their dedication and commitment have been wonderful to watch."
Representing Lake Oconee Academy were DECA officers Macy Colby, Sasha Daniels, Addi Everett, Kaitlyn Mamay, Alley McCullough, Hailey Resende-Pereira, Janey Soto, Olivia Sweeney, and Nicole Wang, accompanied by Mrs. Mize.
Senior officer Sasha Daniels connected with students from other chapters and gained new perspectives through the conference's workshops and activities.
"Being a leader of a club this size is a privilege, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly," said Daniels. "I do my best every day to make Mrs. Mize proud and to make sure our members have a positive experience in DECA. I want everyone to feel like they're part of something special and have opportunities to grow and succeed. That's what I hope to bring back to school after the conference."
Through competitive opportunities, professional development, and a commitment to community service, LOA's DECA chapter continues to help students build valuable skills and prepare for future success in business, college, and their careers.