DECA Students Advance to International Stage
The 2025-26 rendition of the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) DECA Club was memorable, filled with effort, growth, and success, and will top off the year by sending two members to showcase their prowess on the international stage.
DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through real-world business challenges, helping students develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
This year, SMCS welcomed over 30 students from Grades 10 to 12 into the club, who participated in regional and provincial competitions, where they role-played and competed in case studies across business categories such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
“From early preparation sessions to competition days, the focus always remained on pushing each other to improve and strive for excellence,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, community engagement and learning lead. “More importantly, students supported one another every step of the way, creating a team environment built on trust and shared goals. This sense of community played a major role in the success and overall experience of the group.”
Throughout their competitions, students were challenged to step outside of their comfort zones and engage in real-world business scenarios that required critical thinking and the ability to perform under pressure.
“One of the most noticeable outcomes of this year’s programme was the growth in student confidence,” adds Lumsden. “Many students entered DECA unsure of their abilities, but through consistent practice and exposure to competition, they developed the confidence to speak and present with purpose. They learned to think on their feet and represent themselves professionally. These are skills that will serve them well not only in future competitions, but in their academic and professional journeys.”
In April, two Grade 11 club members, Shelain Fernando and Arjun Sivakumar, will represent SMCS at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), marking the first time in over 10 years that our school has reached this level of competition.
“DECA has been instrumental in my growth as an aspiring entrepreneur, honing my skills in business planning and investor pitching,” says Sivakumar. “Qualifying for the ICDC in Atlanta is a major milestone, providing a global stage to further our ambitions.”
Fernando adds, “DECA has given me the opportunity to build meaningful connections with students that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. From competing at provincials in my first year to becoming chapter president and qualifying for ICDC, my journey reflects growth, made possible by the support and foundation built by those before me.”
The DECA ICDC will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 25 to April 28, with over 15,000 finalists from around the world competing.
“DECA continues to be about more than competition—it’s about developing a mindset of growth and perseverance,” says Lumsden. “This year’s group has set a high standard and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
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