Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s Ram Shack has been awarded the prestigious Gold Certification for the 2024-2025 school year, recognizing it as one of the country's top-performing school-based enterprises (SBE). 

This achievement qualifies the student-run business for national recognition at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC), set to take place in Orlando, Florida, from April 26-29, 2025.

A school-based enterprise (SBE) is a hands-on learning experience where students manage and operate a real business within their school. These enterprises integrate National Curriculum Standards in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management while providing valuable goods and services to the community.

The LHWHS DECA members who contributed to the certification were Garon Agrawal (12), Ritwik Ashok (12), John Caito (11), Audrey Goldman (12), Helena Haines (11), Eva Kaul (11), Darci Levinson (11), Jon Lewis (11), Henry Olschansky (11), Arden Poger (11), Joie Sandler (11), Molly Shipley (11), Max Sigel (11), Audrey Stockwell (11), Madison Stockwell (11), Gaby Verstappen (11), Cole Wallis (11), and Maddox Wolf (11).

These students worked under the guidance of Ladue DECA Chapter Advisor Jessica Kennedy, who expressed immense pride in their efforts:

"I am so proud of our Ram Shack students for earning the highest level of Gold Certification and being named one of the top SBEs in the country. Their dedication and hard work not only make this business a success but also directly benefit the Ladue community—every dollar earned is donated to support students, clubs, sports, faculty, and staff. This recognition is well deserved, and I can’t wait to see them represent Ladue DECA at ICDC!”

DECA’s School-based Enterprise Certification Program recognizes SBEs demonstrating outstanding achievement and a commitment to excellence in business operations. The certification process requires SBEs to submit extensive documentation showcasing their adherence to marketing and retail standards. The highest level of certification—Gold—places the Ram Shack among the best school-based enterprises nationwide.

This Gold Certification recognizes and celebrates our student’s leadership, teamwork, and community impact. Congratulations to the Ram Shack team on this outstanding achievement—we can’t wait to see them shine at ICDC in Orlando!