This week, Frenship High School was represented at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida. Taylor Wollenburg competed in Restaurant and Food Service Management, and Saif Bernstein in Business Finance.  

The Frenship competitors were among 1,600 Texas students who qualified for the international event, where they faced off against more than 10,000 participants at the ICDC. 

The international contest is extremely competitive and an overall intense event. The first day, students must test in their competition, then compete in two role-play scenarios in front of a panel of judges the following day. If they qualified for finals, there is another round of competition.  

While neither Frenship competitor qualified for finals, Nick Bompezzi, one of the DECA Advisors, emphasized how proud he is of the students for making it as far as they did.  

“I couldn't be prouder of these two, and our chapter as a whole,” said Bompezzi. “We had all members qualify for state in Dallas, and these two qualify for nationals. Just getting there is an accomplishment and a win for Frenship. They are such talented young men, who will go on to achieve great things!" 

Bompezzi stated that one of the most memorable moments of the ICDC was the meet and greet before the competition began. He explained that seeing the sheer number of talented students come together for competition and learning to network.  

DECA encourages students to network through a lapel pin trading activity. Each attendee receives five pins from their state organization to exchange while meeting peers from around the world. 

“Seeing them all in their professional attire while networking was really enjoyable,” said Bompezzi.  

Great work, Taylor Wollenburg and Saif Bernstein!