In the world of DECA, they call it “winning glass” — earning one of the coveted crystal trophies awarded to the best young business minds on the planet.
This year, for the first time in Canyons School District history, one of those trophies is coming home to Utah.
Corner Canyon High student Grace Christensen captured first place in Principles of Hospitality & Tourism at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, rising to the top of a field of more than 220 competitors from around the globe.
The annual conference draws students from across the United States, Canada, China, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Mexico, and other countries, bringing together some of the world’s top high school competitors in business, finance, hospitality, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
“This accomplishment reflects not only Grace’s talent and preparation, but also the strength of our DECA programs across Canyons District,” said Stephanie Morgan, Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator at Alta High. “To see one of our students rise to the top on an international stage against the best competitors in the world is so exciting.”
This year, Canyons School District sent 63 students from all five traditional high schools to compete at ICDC after advancing through state competition: Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Hillcrest and Jordan.
Just qualifying for the international conference is an achievement. Nearly 280 Canyons students competed at the Utah DECA State Career Development Conference this year — the largest number of competitors from any school district in the state.
In Grace’s event, students were tasked with analyzing a hospitality and tourism business scenario and presenting a professional solution during a timed role-play judged by industry experts. Competitors also completed a written exam, with both scores factoring into final results.
“One of the most rewarding parts of DECA is watching students apply classroom learning in authentic business situations,” Morgan said. “They have to think critically, communicate professionally, and perform under pressure. Those are real-world skills that will serve them long after high school.”
Canyons students also earned several additional top finishes at the international conference.
Hillcrest High student Meghaj Rampure placed in the Top 10 in Buying and Merchandising Operations Research. Among the students advancing to the Top 20 level were: Brighton High’s Henry Slabbert in Personal Financial Literacy and Hillcrest High’s Jaswitha Jadapalli and Bhavya Rai in Start-Up Business Plan.
“Our students represented Canyons incredibly well,” Morgan said. “Beyond the awards, this experience helps students build confidence, leadership, professionalism, and connections that can fast-forward their futures.”
