GBCCA DECA Achieves Major Success at State Conference
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GBCCA DECA Achieves Major Success at State Conference
Luci Mouton
The Gene Burton College & Career Academy DECA chapter achieved outstanding results at the 2026 Texas DECA State Conference, earning state recognition and advancing two students to the international competition.
A total of 27 students joined 7,328 competitors from 298 chapters across Texas in the fields of business, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Five students earned recognition as State Finalists, and two students will advance to internationals.
State Finalist and International Qualifiers:
Katelyn B. (Rockwall High School (RHS), 12th) - Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Isabelle K. (RHS, 12th) - Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Katelyn and Isabelle will now represent Texas among 15,000 competitors at the international level.
State Finalist and International Alternates:
Ethan A. (RHS, 12th) - Principles of Entrepreneurship
Kelly S. (RHS, 12th) - Marketing Communications Series
Megan S. (RHS, 11th) - Business Services Marketing Series
GBCCA also celebrates Carter B. (Rockwall-Heath High School, 12th), who was awarded a prestigious Texas DECA Scholarship in Marketing.
Fourteen students earned the American Marketing Association (AMA) Associate in Marketing Management Certificate, an industry-recognized credential. Recipients include Jackson A. (RHS, 10th), Saydee B. (RHHS, 12th), Carter B. (RHHS, 12th), Katelyn B. (RHS, 12th), Mia F. (RHS, 12th), Michelle G. (RHHS, 12th), Madison H. (RHHS, 12th), Hannah K. (RHS, 10th), Isabelle K. (RHS, 12th), Emily K. (RHS, 11th), Matthew M. (RHS, 12th), Kelly S. (RHS, 12th), Megan S. (RHS, 11th), and Addison Y. (RHHS, 12th).
“I am incredibly proud of our 27 competitors who represented our chapter at State,” said Advisor Mrs. Dori Brown. “Their commitment to learning and professionalism is truly inspiring. Competing at the State level pushes them beyond their comfort zones, challenges them to think like true business professionals, and strengthens their confidence. The experience motivates them to set higher goals and grow as our leaders.”
The GBCCA DECA chapter extends heartfelt appreciation to Group 1 Ford of Rockwall, Rayburn Electric Cooperative, Alliance Bank, and Lacy Deckard with Ebby Halliday for their generous support of the chapter’s competition efforts and student opportunities.
The GBCCA DECA chapter is led by Advisors Dori Brown, Alisha Bridges, and April Deats.