DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through academic competition and hands-on learning experiences. Loyola's students demonstrated strong performance throughout the conference, with several Ramblers earning top honors.

Three Loyola students qualified to advance to the DECA International Career Development Conference, which will take place in April in Atlanta:

• Yianna Drossos '27, Restaurant & Food Service Management
• Zara Nunez '27, Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
• Jacqueline Renken '27, Apparel & Accessories Marketing (advancing for the second consecutive year)

In addition, five Ramblers achieved Finalist status, finishing just short of advancing to the international competition:

• Paige Gravengard '28, Principles of Marketing
• Scarlett Byrnes '28, Principles of Finance
• Aidan Kennedy '29, Principles of Entrepreneurship
• Rebecca Hay '26 and Jacqueline Renken '27, Integrated Marketing Campaign for an Event

Further, Yianna Drossos '27, also earned a Leadership Academy Award for commitment to leadership development during the year.

Loyola Academy was recognized as a DECA Superstar Chapter, an honor that reflects the strength and rapid growth of the program. In just three years, Loyola’s chapter has grown to 131 student members, making it the 14th largest chapter in Illinois, the largest among non-public schools, and one of the fastest-growing programs in the state.

Loyola's chapter, led by president Emilia Nelson '26 and coordinated by iConnect representative Jonathan Crisan '26, also earned bronze-level recognition for engagement with members and other chapters.

The success of Loyola's DECA students reflects their dedication, preparation, and commitment to developing real-world business and leadership skills. Loyola also extends its gratitude to DECA moderators Social Studies Teacher Brandon Ceplecha and Vice President of Finance & Operations (CFO/COO) Dan Peterson '79, whose leadership and mentorship guide students as they grow in confidence, professionalism, and ethical leadership.

Additional thanks are extended to Tim Metzler, Jennifer Bills, Rachel Ethridge, and Lynn Gorman, who served as chaperones during the conference and supported the students throughout the three-day event. Congratulations to all of Loyola Academy’s DECA competitors, and best wishes to Yianna, Zara, and Jacqueline as they represent the Rambler community at the international competition in Atlanta next month.