Earlier this week, a Casey County High School student became the first in the local DECA chapter’s history to qualify for International Career Development Conference.
Junior Porter Carnahan earned second-place honors in the Marketing Communication Series at DECA’s State Career Development Conference earlier this week to earn a spot at ICDC.
Carnahan was confident after his performance in the finals but noted his “shock” as other names continued to be called on the stage, which were announced from 8th place down to 1st.
“Well, honestly, I couldn’t believe I had made it,” he said, “and as the names were getting called, I was more and more surprised about how well I really did.”
Co-advisor Nanette Wright lauded Carnahan for his accomplishment that reflected his “hard work and commitment” throughout the year and also the chapter’s showing as a whole.
The CCHS DECA chapter garnered third place for the largest percentage increase in membership, seeing 183% growth from last year.
“Our DECA students put on an incredible performance at state, showcasing their talent, dedication, and business savvy,” Wright said. “[We were] the third highest-growing club in the state, and our team represented [CCHS] with excellence. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!”
Two other competitors — sophomores Brandon Burt and Vanessa Pittman — took home top-12 spots in their inaugural trips to the state conference, while senior Jasmin Hernandez and junior Ana Gonzalez earned 13th place.
Hernandez, who is the chapter president, was the lone senior member competing at state, and despite it being only her second year in the club, she noted that her time in DECA has been “so fulfilling and life-changing.”
“DECA has allowed me to gain new friends, memories, and skills,” she said. “Seeing how this was my last SCDC, I am definitely filled with sadness, but at the same time, I realize that I am very lucky to have something that hurts to let go.”
Other competitors at the state conference included: juniors Sam Gossage, Vrut Patel, Walker Emerson, Ben Wiseman, Dylan Kalyesubula, McKenna Wilham, and Rylee McQueary; and sophomores Naomi Coleman and Braylon Taylor.
For Hernandez, this year’s state conference was a major stepping-stone for the chapter as it looks to continue to grow as a club, calling it a “huge success.”
“The students truly seemed to have had a ton of fun, they made so many wonderful memories, and best of all, we walked away with a student qualifying for internationals,” Hernandez said. “I am incredibly proud of Porter. He is truly amazing and so smart; he will for sure do big things in life.
“The DECA year we’ve had has been incredibly successful as well! Our chapter grew, so much so we got recognition for it at state. We have an incredible group of kids who truly seemed to love DECA, and best of all, a group of kids who truly all get along. This made our DECA year nothing short of wonderful and incredibly successful.”
Carnahan will compete at ICDC in Orlando, Florida, from April 26 to 29.
To read about CCHS DECA’s record-making performance at region competition, click here.