The Ballard High School DECA club travelled to Salt Lake City to compete in the 66th annual International Career Development Conference earlier this month.

DECA is a non-profit student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

The annual conference is DECA's highest level of competition and encompasses career-focused exercises in finance, marketing, hospitality, tourism, management and entrepreneurship.

It shines a spotlight on DECA’s top performers from around the world as thousands of students compete in a series of unique real-life business scenarios and competitions.

“You cannot help but be inspired by the accomplishments of these emerging leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Edward L. Davis, DECA’s executive director, in a press release. “The amount of preparation done by these students to get to this point is admirable.”

The top competitors in each event are recognized for their outstanding achievements, and Ballard High School students Soley Olafsson and Deme Xenos from BHS brought home the medals.

Xenos competed in Restaurant and Food Service Management Series and won several medals on her way to eventually taking first place overall.

Olafsson competed in Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series and got Top Ten overall.

Congratulations, students!

Learn more about DECA and watch footage from the ICD at http://www.deca.org/events/icdc