Hills Biz Student Is 'Top 10 In The World'

Half Hollow Hills High School East sophomore William Banai is pictured in Atlanta, where he competed against students from all over the world at the 2018 DECA International Career Development Conference.

Half Hollow Hills High School East sophomore William Banai competed against students from all over the world at the 2018 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, and had a “Top 10 In The World” finish in his category of the Principles of Business Administration.

More than 10,000 DECA members demonstrated their college and career knowledge and skills at the international event by participating in DECA’s Competitive Events Program. Banai won a medal in the Principles of Business Administration after completing a rigorous 100 question exam and two roleplay speeches that were focused on management and leadership decision, where he played the role of the manager. He was given only ten minutes to prepare each speech, and 10 minutes to present each of them.

“No organization brings the healthy mix of business and competition to life better than DECA,” said Banai. “From marketing to sports management, students have a unique opportunity to explore the always relevant realm of business and prepare for their futures. It’s a great hands on experience, and I recommend starting as early as possible.”

The DECA ICDC event brought together 18,000 high school students, advisors, businesspersons and alumni to help them network, share knowledge and develop skills for colleges and careers. In addition to the competitive events, ICDC offers their participants access to college and career exhibits, an emerging leader series on 21st Century skill-building, and professional development for advisors.

“The hard work and dedication of our DECA students directly led to what they accomplished at the International Competition, and throughout the year,” said Joseph Cappiello, a teacher in the business department at Hills East and advisor for their DECA chapter. “Congratulations to William for finishing Top 10 in the world in his category. What an exciting accomplishment!”

With a nearly 70-year history, DECA has impacted the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals since it was founded in 1946. Its 3,500 high school chapters prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Half Hollow Hills High School East was also represented at the ICDC by Banai’s fellow DECA members Sydni Berkenfeld, Brooke Blumberg, Samantha Hammer, Morgan Novikoff, and Alec Schmigelski.