I am humbled and excited to serve DECA Inc. and to work with the Executive Officer team this year.”

Catherine Horton

Mountain Ridge High School
22800 N. 67th Ave.
Glendale, AZ
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Catherine Horton, a senior at Mountain Ridge High School, 22800 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, and DECA member, was named as the 2020-21 DECA High School Division president at the International Level during a virtual election.

Her campaign manager, who is her twin, Bethany, supported Catherine along with an older sibling, Analeigh, from the University of Arizona.

Horton was one of six candidates for the office that completed a series of steps in the election process. She had two run-off elections before garnering the majority votes required to win the top position.

After submitting an application, candidates took an objective test, interviewed with the screening and nominating committee, campaigned online, and participated in a question and answer session. The election was then held by electronic vote of the more than 400 student voting delegates that represent DECA’s membership across all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain.

“Being named DECA Inc. High School Division President is an amazing honor,” she stated in a news release. “I am humbled and excited to serve DECA Inc. and to work with the Executive Officer team this year.”

The DECA Executive Officer Team is comprised of one president and four regional vice presidents who will provide leadership for the upcoming academic year. Mattie Bradford, also from Arizona, will serve as the western regional vice president. Bradford attends Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande.

As DECA’s primary student brand ambassadors, DECA’s executive officers represent more than 225,000 members to a variety of key stakeholders, including fellow members, advisors, education administrators, business partners, public policymakers and more. They also develop a program of leadership to assist in the implementation of DECA Inc.’s strategic plan.

 “My thanks to DECA Inc, Arizona DECA, Mountain Ridge High School and Mr. Kevin English from the National Academy Foundation for all of their incredible support throughout this journey,” Horton said. “I look forward meeting our members and hearing their ideas for the future of DECA Inc.”

Founded in 1946, DECA is organized into two student divisions each with programs designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members. The High School Division includes 220,000 members in 3,775 schools. The Collegiate Division includes over 5,000 members in 300 colleges and universities.

“Catherine is a very focused and detailed oriented person,” Mountain Ridge DECA advisor Debbie Moore stated. “These qualities will serve her well as she represents DECA on an international level. Our community is quite proud of her accomplishments.”