DECA ICDC 2025

Students from NCSSM Durham and Morganton competed on the international stage at the 2025 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, and delivered one of the most successful performances in chapter history. After a week of competition and networking with over 25,000 students, advisors, and business professionals from all over the world, NCSSM made its mark. 

At the center of this year’s success was Joshua Chilukuri, who achieved 2nd place in Principles of Finance. Simply qualifying for ICDC takes commendable effort, yet Joshua took it to the next level. In the preliminary round, Joshua received both a test and role-play medal for achieving one of the highest scores on the written content exam portion and the role-play case study. This stellar performance distinguished Joshua from the competition and allowed him to advance to the finalist round. Despite facing harsher competition, Joshua continued to impress, ultimately earning him the prestigious DECA glass trophy on the international stage. This result represents one of NCSSM DECA’s highest-ever finishes at ICDC. 

But the honors didn’t stop there. Three more students earned Grand Finalist Medals, which they earned by delivering exceptional performances in both the preliminary and the high-pressure finalist round. Ishaan Joshy, Sahil Kongala, and Arjun Rawal competed in Automotive Services Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling, and Entrepreneurship, respectively, after placing among the top ten in their events. Additional honors include Jimmy Chen, who earned a test medal in Food Marketing, and the team of Aretha Datta and Rishi Saroya, who earned a role-play medal in Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making.

These students demonstrate the wide range of expertise within NCSSM DECA. From finance to technical industries to entrepreneurial innovation, their achievements show that the NCSSM DECA chapter competes at the highest level across all areas of the business world. 

While the competition was the core reason for the trip, it was far from the whole story. Students visited Disney World and Universal Studios and made lasting memories on roller coasters and interactive rides. But beyond the amusement parks, ICDC offered countless opportunities for business enrichment: students were able to attend career-building workshops, network with business professionals, and connect with students from across the globe who share their same drive for DECA and business. 

As NCSSM DECA looks ahead, the students are eager to keep the momentum going. If you’re an incoming student with an interest in business or finance, or just looking for a voice outside the classroom, DECA is the place for you. This year’s success at ICDC is a reflection of the collaboration and dedication that define the chapter, and we’re just getting started.

Written by Jimmy Chen, NCSSM