Carmel Students Win DECA State Contest

Carmel Highschool students and long-time friends Caiden O’Connell, Wells Wright and Will Spence have demonstrated that a little empathy, practical volunteerism and an entrepreneurial spirit can make a real impact.

The three young men got involved with The Longest Day, a do-it-yourself fundraising initiative, in 2024 when they launched a car detailing fundraiser with Avant Healthcare raising over $10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fueled by their success and a deepened connection to the Alzheimer’s Association mission for a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, the boys began engaging with local memory care units through The Longest Day community. They built relationships with senior care facilities and volunteered with residents living with dementia, bringing companionship and support to those affected by the disease.

Together, the boy’s multifaceted approach to volunteerism through their “WWC Alzheimer’s Initiative” earned them first place in this year’s Indiana DECA State for the Community Giving Project competition.

The DECA competition challenges students to create and implement community impact projects, focusing on real-world business and philanthropic initiatives. To the boys, “This project has been more than just a competition – it’s been about making a real impact”. Not only have their efforts raised critical funds and touched the lives of Hoosiers living with Alzheimer’s, they are now headed to the DECA International Career Development Conference in April, where they are pushing to amplify the mission.