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Loyola Academy Students Excel at DECA State Conference
Sixty Loyola Academy students traveled to Rosemont this past weekend to compete at the Illinois State DECA Career Development Conference, joining more than 2,000 students from 70 high schools across the state for three days of competition, collaboration, and professional development.
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:
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 our Ramblers as they represent our community at the international competition in Atlanta next month.
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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)
- 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
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 our Ramblers as they represent our community at the international competition in Atlanta next month.
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