Four SCCC DECA Students Advance to International Competition

Sixteen SCCC DECA members showcased their business skills at the Missouri DECA State Conference, with eight placing in their categories and four moving on to the global stage.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 2:06am

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Sixteen members of the Saline County Career Center (SCCC) DECA chapter competed at the 78th annual Missouri DECA State Career Development Conference, with eight students placing in their respective categories and four - Allyson Astorga, Peyton Marshall, Vanesa Cortes, and Allison Gary - advancing to the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia from April 24-29.

Why it matters

DECA is a leading organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The SCCC DECA chapter's strong performance at the state competition and ability to send four students to the global stage showcases the school's commitment to developing well-rounded business skills in its students.

The details

At the state conference, SCCC DECA students presented long-term projects to a panel of over 100 industry professionals. In addition to the four students advancing to the international competition, the chapter also maintained its 'Thrive' status for the eighth consecutive year, recognized for excellence in community service, promotional outreach, and membership campaigns. The chapter also earned its eighth straight year of four distinct chapter campaign honors from National DECA.

  • The 78th annual Missouri DECA State Career Development Conference was held from March 22-24, 2026.
  • The DECA International Career Development Conference will take place from April 24-29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

Allyson Astorga

An SCCC DECA student who placed 4th in the Community Awareness category and will compete at the international competition.

Peyton Marshall

An SCCC DECA student who placed 5th in the Integrated Marketing Service category, was honored with the prestigious Lester B. Kesterson Missouri DECA Scholarship, and will compete at the international competition.

Vanesa Cortes

An SCCC DECA student who was a Top 10 Finalist and Medalist in the Career Development category and will compete at the international competition.

Allison Gary

An SCCC DECA student who was selected as a Leadership Delegate, representing the chapter's leadership interests at the state level, and will compete at the international competition.

Saline County Career Center (SCCC) DECA chapter

A high school DECA chapter that showcased its business prowess at the Missouri DECA State Career Development Conference.

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What’s next

The four SCCC DECA students who qualified for the DECA International Career Development Conference will travel to Atlanta, Georgia from April 24-29, 2026 to compete on the global stage.

The takeaway

The SCCC DECA chapter's strong performance at the state competition, including eight students placing in their categories and four advancing to the international competition, demonstrates the school's commitment to developing well-rounded business skills in its students and preparing them for success in the global marketplace.