Baldwin County DECA Students Shine on the International Stage

Three talented Baldwin High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) students, (all three 2025 honors graduates) made school history this spring as they joined over 26,000 students and educators at the 2024 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida—a remarkable achievement that placed Baldwin County, Georgia in the global spotlight.

Top Performers with National Recognition

DECA members Tene’ Brimm, Heymi Arguello Espinoza, and Leslie Perez Vasquez earned their spots at ICDC by excelling at the Georgia DECA State Competition earlier this year. Their accomplishments included:

• Tene’ Brimm - 3rd place in Apparel and Accessories Marketing at the State DECA Competition, earning an Award of Excellence at the international level.

  
  

• Heymi Arguello Espinoza - 11th in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Event, also receiving an Award of Excellence.

  
  

• Leslie Perez Vasquez - Earned recognition through the Aspire Workshop Series, an exclusive leadership program for Georgia’s top DECA students.

All three students also received the National Emerging Leader Honor Award, recognizing their growth, dedication, and leadership in DECA throughout their high school careers.

A Historic Moment for Baldwin County’s DECA Chapter

What makes this success even more meaningful is the history these students created. According to Baldwin DECA Advisor Kristin Grebel, this was the first time since 2017 that a Baldwin student had qualified for the ICDC and never have multiple students advanced together until now.

“The initial win was making it to ICDC after all these years,” said Grebel. “The bigger win was seeing our community rally behind these students and help them make history.”

More Than Competition—A Launchpad for the Future

Beyond the competitions, ICDC gave Baldwin County students a chance to network with peers from around the world, attend leadership academies, and engage with representatives from over 80 top international companies. These real-world experiences help prepare students for successful futures in marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

“These girls have left a lifelong legacy for our DECA chapter,” Grebel said. “They represented Baldwin County with grace, determination, and pride.”

What is DECA?

DECA is a global organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. With over 293,000 members worldwide, DECA offers students valuable skills through competitions that simulate real-world business scenarios.

Celebrating Our Students

The Baldwin County School District celebrates the commitment, leadership, and achievements of these incredible students and encourages others to explore opportunities available through Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.