DDSB Students Shine at International DECA Competition in Atlanta
Durham students earn top finishes and international recognition at global business leadership conference
TORONTO — Students from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) earned international recognition at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference and Competition (ICDC), competing against some of the world’s top business students in Atlanta.
This year’s conference brought together more than 26,600 participants from around the world, with DDSB students representing:
- Pineridge Secondary School
- Pickering High School
- Donald A. Wilson Secondary School
- Sinclair Secondary School
- Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute
- Brooklin High School
The DDSB delegation included 66 student participants who competed as part of Ontario’s 980-member delegation.
Students earn 21 top-10 finishes
DDSB students delivered strong performances across multiple competitive categories, earning a combined 21 top-10 finishes during the international event.
One of the competition’s top honours went to students from Sinclair Secondary School, who captured a first-place DECA “Glass” trophy — considered one of the organization’s highest levels of achievement.
Brooklin High School students also secured a second-place “Glass” trophy during the conference.
DDSB officials said the results highlighted the strength of business education, leadership development and student preparation across Durham Region schools.
Students praised for leadership and school spirit
Beyond competitive achievements, DDSB students were also recognized for their teamwork, professionalism and positive representation throughout the conference.
According to the board, students stood out for:
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- School spirit
- Peer support
- Networking and communication skills
Officials said DDSB students were noticed throughout the event for their encouragement of fellow competitors and participation in networking opportunities and leadership activities.
Leadership academies and global networking opportunities
In addition to competition events, students participated in DECA Leadership Academies focused on:
- Chapter management
- Leadership development
- International networking
- Business training strategies
The conference also provided opportunities for students to connect with peers from across North America and internationally while developing career-readiness and public speaking skills.
DDSB said students embraced the full conference experience, balancing competitions, workshops and leadership activities throughout the event.
Educational experiences beyond competition
Outside the conference, students also explored Atlanta through educational and cultural activities designed to enhance the international experience.
Board officials described the conference as a valuable opportunity for students to build:
- Confidence
- Leadership skills
- Global connections
- Career-focused experience
- School pride
DDSB credited the success of the delegation to both student commitment and the support of dedicated teachers and staff mentors.
The Durham District School Board serves more than 80,000 day students across Durham Region communities including Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.
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