Illinois DECA Goes the Extra at ICDC 2026

Illinois DECA arrived at ICDC 2026 ready to compete — and our members delivered in a big way. From second-place finishes to top-ten placements and finalist rounds, Illinois members went the extra at every stage of competition, representing our state with excellence, grit, and professionalism on the national stage.

As we look ahead to next year's ICDC in Anaheim, California, let's take a moment to celebrate every Illinois member who made it to the final rounds and proved what it means to truly Go The Extra.

Second Place

Business Finance Series — Lauren Rachelson; Glenbrook North High School

Principles of Business Management and Administration — Alexis Vass; Glenbrook North High School

Principles of Marketing — Margaret Potaczek; Maine South High School

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series — Josh Koyfman; Deerfield High School

Top Ten

Principles of Finance — Sojourner Fitz-Green; Evanston Township High School (4th Place)

Principles of Hospitality and Tourism — Aadya Venkat; Neuqua Valley High School (4th Place)

Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making — Tiya Shah & Sydney Voicu; Hersey High School (5th Place)

Career Development Project — Aarav Khullar, Abby May & Lakhi Thotakura; Naperville North High School (7th Place)

Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series — Sanjana Gurram; Naperville North High School (7th Place)

Principles of Finance — Ben Matsa; Evanston Township High School (8th Place)

Virtual Business Challenge Restaurant — Alec Schwartz, Mason Seiffer & Dylan Weininger; Highland Park High School (8th Place)

Top 20 Finalists

Individual & Series Events

• Automotive Services Marketing Series — Jesse Dush-Hart; Evanston Township High School

• Financial Consulting — Katherine Wittmer; Downers Grove North High School

• Food Marketing Series — Jay Noren; Deerfield High School

• Restaurant and Food Service Management Series — Ayaan Ladak; Neuqua Valley High School

• Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series — Casey Lenarz; Chicago Christian High School

  
  

Team Decision Making Events

• Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making — Aidan Chmiel & Finnegan Dochoff; York Community High School

• Marketing Management Team Decision Making — Shresta Nibhanupudi & Tvisha Shah; Metea Valley High School

• Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making — Anders Dochoff & Cole Shearer; York Community High School

  
  

Prepared Events

• Business Growth Plan — Aidin Hadzalic, Yash Patel & Syed Yasir; Niles West High School

• Career Development Project — Alina Cobovic & Allison Thannert; Niles West High School

• Community Awareness Project — Emily Duong, Alejandro Halter & Nora Lavin; Niles North High School

• Franchise Business Plan — Meredith Deutsch, Blair Deutsch & Maya Freedman; Deerfield High School

• Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product — Austin Blumberg & Jacob Katz; Deerfield High School

• Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product — Ella Hennig & Maria Hristeva; Prospect High School

• Integrated Marketing Campaign – Service — Aarush Parikh; St. Charles North High School

Congratulations to every Illinois member who competed and represented our state with pride at ICDC 2026. We can't wait to see what you accomplish next!