Milford High School’s DECA students are heading to Orlando, Florida, after an incredible showing at the state competition—marking the largest group in school history to qualify for nationals. The program, which prepares students for careers in marketing, business, finance, and hospitality, has seen steady growth, but this year’s results are something special.
Under the leadership of Marketing Instructor and DECA Advisor Brian Lammers, the program had 31 students qualify for state, with five advancing to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)—better known to students as nationals.
“I’m super proud of them,” Lammers said. “This is the most we’ve ever had go to nationals since I’ve been here.”
The milestone is especially sweet given past years when students qualified but couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts or last-minute emergencies. This time, all five students are excited and committed to making the trip to compete on the biggest stage.
One of those students is senior Emily K., who captured first place in her event at state.
“When I started, I was terrified of presenting,” she laughed. “Now, I feel like I’ve gotten a step ahead of my classmates. I’m not panicking over presentations anymore.”
Emily credits much of her growth to the practice she gets running practices she has with her dad, who helps sharpen her presentation skills.
At state, Emily competed in the Marketing Communications event, where she tackled creative prompts like rebranding a 90s fragrance company using influencers.
“I picked people like Jeremy Fragrance and Avery Catherine Wood,” she said. “I think having really specific examples like that helped me stand out.”
On day two, she built a campaign to collect tennis balls to create habitats for wild mice—complete with ideas like raffles to increase donations. “It was definitely unique, but I broke it down and made it work.”
Her first-place finish came as a shock.
“After they called fourth and third, I honestly started tearing up thinking I hadn’t made it,” Emily admitted. “But then they called my name for first. I was so excited—I really worked hard for this.”
For Lammers, it’s moments like that which make DECA special.
“It’s not just about business skills,” he explained. “Our students are learning confidence, creativity, and how to think on their feet. For a lot of them, this is their competition. Some aren’t athletes, so DECA gives them that outlet to compete and achieve.”
The journey to nationals hasn’t just been about the competition—it’s also about the connections. Lammers said his officers and upperclassmen worked hard this year to engage younger marketing students, creating a strong sense of community. Word-of-mouth and social media have helped the program grow, and it shows.
As they prepare to travel to Orlando from April 26 to 30, the team is looking forward to showcasing their skills, networking, and making memories. “I didn’t expect to make it this far, but I’m so glad I did,” Emily said. “It’s a really great group going, and it’s going to be so much fun.”
Milford DECA’s success this year is a testament to the hard work of the students, the leadership of Mr. Lammers, and the supportive community cheering them on. With nationals on the horizon, there’s no doubt this group of Eagles is ready to soar.
Full list of students below:
Hank A. - Retail Merchandising
Keely B. - TEAM Hospitality Services
Emmie B. - TEAM Travel and Tourism
Joey B. - Quick Serve Restaurant (Advanced to round 2 at state)
Tatum C. - Food Marketing (Advanced to round 2 at state)
Natalie C. - Restaurant & Food Service (Advanced to round 2 at state & ICDC)
Alexis C. - TEAM Travel and Tourism
Avery C. - Automotive
Katelyn D. - TEAM Hospitality Services
Emma D. - Restaurant & Food Service (Advanced to round 2 at state & ICDC)
Nicolas F. - TEAM Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Eric G. - Principles of Business
Grace H. - Human Resources Management (Advanced to round 2 at state & ICDC)
Jack H. - Business Services Marketing
Madeline H. - Restaurant & Food Service
Emily K. - Marketing Communication (Advanced to round 2 at state & ICDC)
Liam L. - TEAM Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Abbey M. - Apparel & Accessories
Bree N. - TEAM Buying & Merchandising
Brayden N. - Quick Serve Restaurant
Ansul P. - Quick Serve Restaurant
Richel P. - Business Services Marketing
Karis P. - Apparel & Accessories
Austin R. - Hotel & Lodging
Hadley R. - Hotel & Lodging (Advanced to round 2 at state & ICDC)
Cooper S. - Retail Merchandising
Riya T. - Human Resources Management
Dennis W. - Food Marketing
Addi W. - TEAM Buying & Merchandising
Gus W. - Quick Serve Restaurant (Advanced to round 2 at state)
Brady E. - Retail Merchandising (Qualified for state)