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<h1>DECA at SMCS: From a Small Club to the International Stage</h1>
<p>Twelve years ago, DECA at St. Michael&#8217;s College School (SMCS) started with about 10 students. This year, more than 100 students competed. That kind of growth doesn&#8217;t happen on its own—it comes from students who take the programme seriously and staff who build something worth showing up for.</p>
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<figure id="attachment_18236" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-18236" style="width: 330px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/smcs-deca-arjun.jpg" alt="Arjun Sivakumar, Gr. 11 SMCS student and DECA member." width="330" height="495" class="st-michael-img-330" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-18236" class="wp-caption-text">Arjun Sivakumar, Grade 11</figcaption></figure>
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<figure id="attachment_18235" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-18235" style="width: 330px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/smcs-deca-shelain.jpg" alt="Shelain Fernando, Gr. 11 SMCS student and DECA member." width="330" height="495" class="st-michael-img-330" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-18235" class="wp-caption-text">Shelain Fernando, Grade 11</figcaption></figure>
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<p>DECA gives students a chance to compete in business scenarios that go well beyond anything covered in a classroom. Role-plays, written events, case studies, and presentations—the events push students to think fast, communicate clearly, and back up their ideas under pressure. The areas of focus range from marketing and finance to entrepreneurship and hospitality, offering real breadth for students to explore.</p>
<p>One thing that has shaped the programme at SMCS is how it brings together students from Grades 9 through 12. Older students mentor younger ones, and that culture of passing knowledge down has helped build consistency in how the team competes and carries itself. A turning point came in 2015 when Julian Greco ’18 became the first SMCS student to qualify for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), setting a standard for future students and the programme. This year, two students cleared that bar—Arjun Sivakumar and Shelain Fernando both qualified for the 2026 ICDC in Atlanta.</p>
<p>“DECA at St. Mike&#8217;s has evolved into far more than a business competition club—it&#8217;s an extension of the school&#8217;s commitment to leadership, character development, and experiential education,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, community engagement and learning lead. “Students are encouraged to take risks, think globally, and develop the confidence to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”</p>
<p>Here is what our students took away from the ICDC experience:</p>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/smcs-deca-icdc-2026.jpg" alt="SMCS DECA students Shelain and Arjun attending the ICDC in Atlanta." width="330" height="495" class="float-right st-michael-img-330" />
<p><strong>Arjun Sivakumar</strong>:</p>
<p>“I originally joined DECA to bridge the gap between my passion for STEM and the realities of the professional world. While my long-term goals lie in science and technology, I recognized early on that even the most groundbreaking innovation requires a solid foundation in business to reach its full potential.</p>
<p>My experience in DECA has pushed me to sharpen my public speaking and analytical skills far beyond the traditional classroom setting. Competing in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Event (IMCE) taught me not only how to sell but also how to communicate complex ideas to a global audience. Stepping onto the international stage at ICDC in Atlanta was the culmination of that journey. Competing at the highest level was exhilarating, but the true highlight was the networking. Meeting driven, like-minded peers from across the globe provided a fresh perspective on how interconnected our world, and our future careers, really are.</p>
<p>I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to grow as both a leader and a communicator, and I look forward to applying these lessons as I move into the next phase of my journey.”</p>
<p><strong>Shelain Fernando:</strong></p>
<p>“What drew me to DECA was my desire to connect with like-minded individuals who also aspired to do great things within the professional world. My interest in the club was only furthered after attending my first provincials at DECA. This pushed me to aspire for greater heights and to make it to ICDC.</p>
<p>My DECA experience can only be described as a journey of incredible growth. Through DECA, I have greatly improved my public speaking skills, which have helped me in all walks of life. Competing in IMCE has helped me learn skills I wouldn&#8217;t have otherwise, and I am eternally grateful for that.</p>
<p>Attending the ICDC after all that hard work was an unforgettable experience. Five full days of competition filled me with a kind of anticipation and excitement that I had never experienced before. ICDC connected me with people from around the globe, and it showed me that people living thousands of miles apart can work towards a common goal.”</p>
<p><em><strong>Related links:</strong></em></p><p><a href="https://stmichaelscollegeschool.com/programmes/clubs-activities/">Clubs and Activities</a></p><p><a href="https://stmichaelscollegeschool.com/news-events/">News and Events</a></p>
</div>

SMCS DECA students Shelain and Arjun attending the ICDC in Atlanta.

DECA at SMCS: From a Small Club to the International Stage

News And Events

<div class="page-inner">
<h1>Media</h1>
        <p class="large">For media inquiries, please contact:</p>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DePellegrin_Michael-web2025-150x150.jpg" alt="Michael De Pellegrin, SMCS Staff" width="150" height="150" class="float-left " /><p>Michael De Pellegrin, Director of Communications<br />
Office: 416 653 3180 x292 | Cell: 647 242 2226<br />
<a href="mailto:md@smcsmail.com">md@smcsmail.com</a><br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/">St. Michael&#8217;s College School</a></p><br />

</div>

<section id="releases" class="grey-bg">
<h2>MEDIA RELEASES</h2>

MARCH 4, 2026<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smcs-media-release-new-principal-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Media Release: St. Michael’s College School appoints new Principal</a>
<hr />
JANUARY 7, 2026<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TEDxSMCS-Youth-Media-Release-Jan-7-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Media Release: St. Michael’s College School Prepares For First Ever TEDxYouth Event</a>
<hr />
MAY 26, 2025<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMCS-Media-Release-OSM-2025-Inductees.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Media Release: St. Michael’s College School Announces 2025 Inductees into the Order of St. Michael</a>
<hr />
JANUARY 27, 2025<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SMCS-Media-Release-Cameron-Branch-Jan-2025-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Media Release: Cameron Branch, Strength &amp; Conditioning Coach</a>
<hr />
JANUARY 22, 2025<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SMCS-Media-Release-Ivan-Zanatta-Jan-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Media Release: Ivan Zanatta, SMCS U18 Prep Hockey Head Coach</a>
<hr />
NOVEMBER 12, 2024<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/media-release-2-for-book-launch-at-HHOF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Media Update: Hockey Hall of Fame Book Launch</a>
<hr />
OCTOBER 7, 2024<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Hockey-Priest-Book-Launch.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book Launch at the Hockey Hall of Fame Celebrates "Hockey Priest: Father David Bauer and the Spirit of the Canadian Game"</a>
<hr />
FEBRUARY 1, 2024<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/smcs-media-release-feb1-2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Michael's College School Unveils New Brand Campaign in Conjunction with NHL All-Star Game</a>
</section>

<section id="coverage">
<h2>MEDIA COVERAGE</h2>
FEBRUARY 11, 2026<br />
<a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/item/3450-fr-bauer-and-catholic-olympians-of-faith" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fr. Bauer and Catholic Olympians of faith</a>
<br />The Catholic Register<hr />
FEBRUARY 10, 2026<br />
<a href="https://www.torontotoday.ca/local/education/toronto-private-schools-increased-demand-amid-tdsb-troubles-11848754" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toronto private schools see increased demand amid TDSB troubles</a>
<br />Toronto Today<hr />
FEBRUARY 6, 2026<br />
<a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/item/3421-st-mike-s-student-takes-to-ice-for-canada-at-olympics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Mike’s student takes to ice for Canada at Olympics</a>
<br />The Catholic Register<hr />
JANUARY 12, 2026<br />
<a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/item/3296-st-mike-s-te-dx-talk-redefines-perspectives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Mike’s TEDx Talk redefines perspectives</a>
<br />The Catholic Register<hr />
NOVEMBER 3, 2025<br />
<a href="https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/11/03/high-school-hooper-turning-heads-as-he-sets-his-sights-on-post-secondary-basketball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">High school hooper turning heads as he sets his sights on post-secondary basketball</a>
<br />CityNews<hr />
SEPTEMBER 20, 2025<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Toronto-Star-SMCS-Sponsored-Article-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Building leaders through service — how St. Michael’s College School inspires boys to give back</a>
<br />Toronto Star<hr />
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/_NXcWaoQml8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order of St. Michael</a>
<br />CHINTV<hr />
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025<br />
<a href="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Panoram-Article-SMCS.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oh What A Day! September 8, 1964</a>
<br />Panoram Italia<hr />
SEPTEMBER 4, 2025<br />
<a href="https://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/aurora-teacher-to-be-honoured-by-toronto-independent-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aurora teacher to be honoured by Toronto independent school</a>
<br />The Auroran<hr />
AUGUST 14, 2025<br />
<a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2629-order-of-st-michaels-honours-four-school-alumni" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order of St. Michael's honours four school alumni</a>
<br />The Catholic Register<hr />
APRIL 22, 2025<br />
<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6732357" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pope Francis became influential voice in climate fight</a>
<br />CBC<hr />
MARCH 30, 2025<br />
<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/outdoors/nhl-and-ducks-unlimited-canada-team-up-to-tell-stories-of-hockey-greats-getting-started-outdoors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Playing outdoors was everything’ to Duff growing up</a>
<br />NHL.com<hr />
MARCH 3, 2025<br />
<a href="https://www.ronfanfair.com/home/2025/3/3/onyx-initiative-is-a-gamechanger-for-young-people-aspiring-to-work-in-corporate-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Onyx Initiative is a gamechanger for young people aspiring to work in corporate world</a>
<br />Ron Fanfair<hr />
FEBRUARY 12, 2025<br />
<a href="https://www.coachesontario.ca/articles/from-athlete-to-mentor-coach-kurt-downes-journey-of-resilience-and-empowering-the-next-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From Athlete to Mentor: Coach Kurt Downes’ Journey of Resilience and Empowering the Next Generation</a>
<br />Coaches Association of Ontario<hr />
OCTOBER 3, 2024<br />
<a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/item/37204-students-find-healing-in-listening-circle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Students find healing in Listening Circle</a>
<br />The Catholic Register<hr />
SEPTEMBER 23, 2024<br />
<a href="https://danilodjuricic.wixsite.com/danilodjuricic/post/goodness-discipline-and-knowledge-st-michael-s-college-school-my-foundation-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge": St. Michael's College School, my foundation to success.</a>
<br />Online Blog<hr />
SEPTEMBER 13, 2024<br />
<a href="https://www.wkhm.com/2024/09/13/lumen-christi-to-take-on-toronto-st-michael/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lumen Christi to take on St. Michael’s College School of Toronto</a>
<br />WKHM<hr />
MAY 3, 2024<br />
<a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/features/arts/item/36735-for-fr-bauer-the-person-came-before-the-hockey-player" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For Fr. Bauer, the person came before the hockey player</a>
<br />The Catholic Register<hr />
APRIL 10, 2024<br />
<a href="https://theathletic.com/5370308/2024/04/10/sam-dickinson-nhl-draft-2024/?source=user_shared_article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How Sam Dickinson became one of the top prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft</a>
<br />The Athletic<hr />
MARCH 15, 2024<br />
<a href="https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/leaf-time-machine-st-michaels-college-keeps-irish-ties-strong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LEAFS TIME MACHINE: St. Michael's College School keeps Irish tie strong</a>
<br />Toronto Sun

</section>
<section>
<p><em><strong>Related links:</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events" aria-label="News And Events">News And Events</a></p>
</section>

DECA at SMCS: From a Small Club to the International Stage

St. Michael's Music Department presents | Spring Concerts (Grade 8 Ensembles and Gr 10 Band)

Final Assessments (Grade 12 Final Assessments Begin)

Final Assessments (Grade 12 Assessments)

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments (Final Day of Assessments)

Grad Formal

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Exam Check Day

Exam Check Day

Grade 7 and 8 Welcome Day