Westfield High School’s DECA program made a powerful impact at the 2025 Indiana DECA State Career Development Conference, held March 3 to 5 at the Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.
With an impressive 106 students competing – one of the largest delegations at the event – Westfield showcased exceptional business acumen, leadership, and career readiness.
The highly competitive conference brought together 2,500 of Indiana’s top high school business students to engage in real-world business challenges, from marketing and finance to entrepreneurship, and hospitality. Through this experience, Westfield students demonstrated critical thinking, professional communication, and problem-solving skills, embodying the district’s mission to ensure “All Rocks are Life Ready.”
State champions & international qualifiers
Following outstanding performances, several Westfield DECA members qualified for the 2025 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which will take place in April in Orlando, Fla.:
- Lauren Pickett – second place, Professional Selling
- Nitya Sachdeva – fourth place, Principles of Business Management
- Avyanth Arun – third place, Principles of Entrepreneurship
- Logan Daggy – fourth place, Principles of Marketing
- Vahishrit Kale – fourth place, Entrepreneurship Series
- Charlie Naas – first place, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
- Lindsey Cassady – third place, Retail Merchandising Series
- Otto Drake – second place, Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series
- Cooper Bohn & Pranesh Raghavendran – first place, Financial Team Decision Making
Westfield’s leadership in DECA
Westfield students not only competed but also led at the state level. WHS DECA President Claire Comer helped guide the chapter’s success, while Indiana DECA State Officers Cooper Bohn and Ava Britton Heitz played a key role in managing the conference.
Additionally, five Westfield students – Krithik Bolla, Noor Ahmed, Hailey Lamb, Stella Neale, and Vahishrit Kale – ran for state officer positions, continuing Westfield’s tradition of leadership in business education. Stella Neale was elected as the 2025-26 Indiana DECA Vice President of Marketing, ensuring Westfield’s continued influence at the state level.
Westfield DECA was also honored with the Thrive Chapter Campaign Award, granting two members exclusive leadership training opportunities.
A testament to Westfield’s mission: “All Rocks Are Life Ready”
DECA is more than a competition – it reflects Westfield Washington Schools’ commitment to preparing students for future success. The skills gained through DECA – entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, professional communication, and leadership – are essential for college, careers, and beyond.
WHS DECA Advisor Michelle Goudy expressed her pride in the students’ achievements.
“Our students performed incredibly well, not only in competition but in their professionalism and teamwork,” Goudy said. “They truly exemplified the Shamrock Way, and I’m excited to see them continue their success on the international stage in Orlando.”
As Westfield DECA looks ahead to ICDC in April, its students remain committed to excellence, leadership, and real-world career readiness – proving once again that Westfield DECA is a powerhouse in business education.