For two years in a row, Molly Smith has made tremendous strides in DECA Club. The high school junior recently competed in the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla. from April 21 to 26. 

The ICDC is the culmination of the DECA year. Smith competed in the Retail Merchandising Series with over 200 other competitors. Though she did not place, her efforts are commendable. This was Smith’s second year competing in ICDC and over 10,000 DECA Club members were in attendance at the event. 

Smith noted, “ICDC provides the opportunity to make connections across the United States.  I have made connections that will help me network in college and throughout my career. I enjoy the challenging business environment and competition that is applicable to my future goals. I plan on continuing DECA through high school and potentially in college. I look forward to DECA next year, competing in California, if I qualify at the state level, and improving as I gain more experience.”

In the Retail Merchandising Series event, participants were challenged to perform marketing and management functions and talks that can be applied in any retail establishment. 

Smith qualified for this competition after placing second for Retail Merchandising Individual Series Role Play, and placing fourth overall in the state at the DECA State Career Development Conference in March.