Atlanta High School DECA was among 1,100 chapters that achieved Thrive Level recognition during the 2024-2025 school year and will be commended at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held April 26-29, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Each fall, DECA offers four campaigns for chapters to complete as part of their program of leadership for the year. These campaigns are designed to grow membership engagement and build lasting partnerships within the school and local community. Chapters that achieve Thrive Level receive a commemorative pennant, flag and plaque. The chapters also have an opportunity to participate in ICDC. In order to receive Thrive Level recognition, the chapter completed two out of three chapter campaigns, including the community service campaign, ethical leadership campaign, and promotional campaign. Atlanta High School DECA Members completed the community service campaign and the promotional campaign.  

Some of the chapter’s community service activities included visiting with Wesley House Assisted Living residents to celebrate fall by painting pumpkins, assisting with the setup and breakdown of an Atlanta’s Makers’ Market held downtown, and helping with Atlanta Primary School’s Fall Festival. Students promoted the AHS DECA chapter by recruiting new members at Freshmen Rabbit Camp and hosting Donuts with DECA.  

DECA Alumni stories from David McDaniels, Kyle Wolfe, and Michael Keener were also featured as part of the promotional campaign. McDaniels, Wolfe, and Keener were all State Winners who advanced to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, California, 20 years ago. They shared memories of their days in DECA, recalled some highlights from their ICDC trip, and offered advice to current members.  

“This is such an exciting honor,” DECA Sponsor Lindy Davis said. “I am so thankful for a community that supports Atlanta DECA.”