Akron Public Schools Scholars Dominate DECA District 10 Competition; Dozens Qualify for State Championship

Akron Public Schools (APS) is proud to announce the exceptional performance of its student-leaders at the DECA District 10 Competition held at the University of Akron on January 9, 2026.

Demonstrating mastery in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, APS scholars secured dozens of top-tier finishes, with over 50 students qualifying for the upcoming State Career Development Conference in Columbus.

DECA is an international professional organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Through various competitive events, students are challenged to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business simulations and case studies. The program focuses on developing essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and professional ethics, ensuring students are academically prepared and community-oriented for their future careers.

"Our students continue to prove that Akron is a powerhouse for future business leaders," said Eric Mathews, Entrepreneurship & Marketing Instructor/DECA Advisor at North High School. "The sheer volume of first, second, third, and fourth-place finishes across our Community Learning Centers (CLCs) is a testament to the rigor of our College and Career Academies and the dedication of our educators."

Marcie Ebright, Director of College & Career Academies (CCAA) for Akron Public Schools, highlighted the long-term impact of these achievements.

"Watching our students excel in this professional environment is the ultimate validation of the College & Career Academy model," said Ebright. "By bridging the gap between classroom instruction and industry-standard competition, we are ensuring that our graduates don't just leave with a diploma, but with the confidence and professional experience needed to lead in the 21st-century economy."

Akron Public Schools students from North, Firestone, Buchtel CLC and East CLCs showcased their professional skills through rigorous testing and role-play scenarios. The top four finishers in each category now advance to the State level on February 24-25, 2026, for a chance to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta.

1st Place Finishes (District Champions): APS secured 10 First Place finishes, sweeping various categories in Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management, Personal Financial Literacy and Hospitality. Notable champions include:

• North High School: The team of Saba Nar & Paw Khu, Sandesh Gurung, Bizaya Gurung, Sophya Lepcha, Rizzu Rai, Tat Ti Zin, and Arpan Teyung.
• Firestone CLC: The teams of Milan Arnold & Brooklyn Laster and Aliyah Howard & Jeremiah Woodall.
• Buchtel CLC: London Wilkerson

2nd Place Finishes: The district earned 10 Second Place finishes in specialized fields such as Travel & Tourism, Apparel & Accessories, Marketing Communications and Hotel & Lodging. High-ranking students included the team of Merina & Pratikchhya Biswa, Prajol Tamang, Jean Ngabwe, Joshan Ramdam, Amesha Tamang, Simon Cung Bik Thawng (North); The teams of Claudia Brooks & Dakari Burr, Marley Cargill & Danielle Nelson and Gynetha Currie & Rylee Wade (Firestone); and Ava Bennett (East).

3rd Place Finishes: 12 Third Place awards were presented to scholars for excellence in Business Law, Human Resources, and Principles of Marketing. Recognized students include The team of Amin Magar & Prashna Rai, Marcus Whatley, Naseeba Watak, Sawan Subba, Kanlaya Phaphummangkaang, Gavin Stubbs and Ketsy Cotacachi (North); The team of Saikslane Ong & Cali Rizopulos and Ellison Smith (Firestone); and London Lytton, Janylah Hogg and the team of Khloe Garcia & Joshua Tafolla (East).

4th Place Finishes: Rounding out the elite group of State Qualifiers are the 4th place finishers who demonstrated the competitive edge necessary to advance. These students include:

• North High School: Anthony Valentine
• Firestone CLC: The team of Drew Boyes and Piper Ann Maynard.
• East CLC: Amari Crockett, Robin Williams, Jayda Branch, Pierre Williams, Brooklyn Seldon, Delilah Walker, Hunter Craven and Je’Sonn Smith.
• Buchtel CLC: The teams of James Porter & Walter Slater, Jaice Jones & Nelesja Powell, JaMarion Dawkins & Honesty Walters and Tymere Johnson.

The success at the DECA competition reinforces the district's mission to produce "career-ready" graduates. By participating in DECA, APS scholars gain real-world experience that translates directly into the local economy, preparing them for high-demand roles in Akron’s evolving business landscape.

For more information on the DECA program and Career Academies at Akron Public Schools, please visit ccaa.akronschools.com.

2026 DECA: Buchtel CLC

2026 DECA: East CLC

2026 DECA: Garfield CLC

2026 DECA: North CLC

2026 DECA: Firestone CLC