Rosemount High School DECA students earned exceptional honors at the 2025 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), held in Orlando, Florida, from April 25 to April 30. 23 District 196 students proudly represented the district on the international stage, competing among more than 22,000 top business and marketing students from around the globe. Through a combination of dedication, preparation, and professionalism, the team showcased the strength of Rosemount’s business education program.
Among the highlights, five Rosemount students earned the prestigious title of International Finalist by placing in the top 20 overall in their competitive events. These students—Max Kowalski, Alexis Olson, Grace Mensic, Sylvia Atkinson, and Sarah Labarere—advanced even further to place in the top 10 overall out of more than 200 competitors per event, an impressive testament to their talent and performance under pressure. In addition to these standout finalists, Nick Garnsworthy received recognition for earning a top 10 score on the challenging 100-question multiple-choice business exam. Molly Pitzen also distinguished herself by achieving a top 10 role-play award for delivering a compelling and strategic solution during a live, situational interview scenario.
Rosemount’s DECA delegation also included Roy Anderson, Sujit Penmasta, Max Raimando, Joey Mackinack, Logan Dy, and Max Ellis, who delivered strong performances and placed just outside the top 20 in their respective categories. All students faced highly competitive events that tested their knowledge, creativity, and communication skills.
In addition to the DECA success, Eastview High School and Apple Valley High School students qualified for national-level speech and academic competitions. Representing Eastview were Vraj Amin, Sayf Aziz, Evelyn Clark, Neha Nair, Grace Johnson, Rohan Saarang, Matthew Vengal, and Nirav Singhal, who excelled in a variety of competitive events through their outstanding communication and analytical skills. Lucy LaLiberte earned her place on the national stage from Apple Valley High School with an exceptional showing in her event.
Conference events included Team Decision Making Role Plays, Individual Series Events, and Entrepreneurship Business Plans. Each student was required to complete a rigorous 100-question exam covering topics such as business law, channel management, and marketing, followed by a role play challenge where they had to analyze and respond to a business scenario in real time. These tasks were judged by business professionals, requiring students to think critically and communicate effectively under pressure.
The accomplishments of Rosemount’s DECA chapter at this year’s ICDC highlight the excellence of the school’s business education and its ability to prepare students for success in real-world settings. Alongside their peers from Eastview and Apple Valley, Rosemount DECA continues to foster leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students, preparing them for future academic and career success.