Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy DECA chapter includes state finalists and international qualifier

Rockwall, TX (April 1, 2025) – Twenty-one competitors from the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy (GBCCA) DECA chapter recently showcased their business skills at the Texas DECA State Career Development Conference, joining over 6,600 students specializing in business, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. GBCCA DECA is proud to announce four State Finalists, including one student advancing to the prestigious International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, FL.

State Finalists and International Alternate:
• Grace Sandoval (Rockwall-Heath High School, Senior) – Food Marketing Series
• Katelyn Bui (Rockwall High School, Junior) – Marketing Management Team Decision Making
• Isabelle King (Rockwall High School, Junior) – Marketing Management Team Decision Making

State Finalist and International Qualifier:
• Carter Brown (Rockwall-Heath High School, Junior) – Business Services Marketing Series

Carter will represent Rockwall ISD and Texas at the International Career Development Conference in April, competing at the highest level in Business Services Marketing.

“Competing at DECA State was truly extraordinary! Being around so many other students with such a drive and passion for their career was inspiring,” said Grace Sandoval, GBCCA DECA Vice President and RHHS senior.

“As a first-year competitor, DECA introduced me to a world of business marketing and networking,” said Megan Snyder, RHS sophomore. “It’s helping me to acquire skills that I now use daily and will better prepare me for my future.”

The GBCCA DECA chapter extends heartfelt gratitude to Rockwall Ford (Jeff Hicks, General Manager), Alliance Bank (Corky Randolph, President), Ebby Halliday Realtor (Lacy Deckard), and ROAR Logistics for their generous support in making these competition experiences possible.

DECA Advisors: Mrs. Dori Brown, Mrs. Alisha Bridges, and Mrs. April Deats.

Press release submitted by Luci Mouton, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.

  deca, dr. gene burton college and career academy, feature, Rockwall ISD