STATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT
CONFERENCE

“Take Flight” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a powerful and immersive narrative that challenges students to rise above the ordinary, transform preparation into bold action, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. It speaks to the moment when confidence meets opportunity—when DECA members are no longer just preparing for the future, but actively launching into it. Rooted in DECA’s mission to cultivate leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, and inspired by Montana’s vast skies and adventurous energy, this theme sets the stage for a conference that is as uplifting as it is transformative. Attendees will find themselves surrounded by purpose, propelled by momentum, and inspired to soar higher than ever before.

Whitney Lusk, born and raised in Spanish Fork, Utah has always had a love for country music. Growing up listening to The Chicks, Martina
McBride, The Eagles, Miranda Lambert, and really anything 90’s, she found a deep love for singing and storytelling. Whitney has shared the stage with artists including Ella Langley,
Sawyer Brown, Russell Dickerson, Josh Turner, Maddie & Tae, Billy Currington, Aaron Watson, Granger Smith, Rachel Platten, and more. She’s performed at festivals like Country Explosion
(now called Country Fan Fest), The Big Sting Music Festival, Boots & Bikinis Festival and more.

Performing on stages since the age of 13 has helped Whitney strengthen her ability to capture an audience with her powerful vocals and energetic, fun stage presence. Whitney travels to and from Nashville to write and perform. She has written with Hall of Fame songwriters such as Leslie Satcher, Ronnie Bowman, Big Al
Anderson and Sharon Vaughan.

In Whitney’s 2024 released EP, Good As It Gets, fans are able to hear her genuine care for her craft and see her desire to add a more
positive outlook to country music. With her relatable songwriting, energetic and positive stage presence, and powerhouse vocals, she
and her band are bound to bring a good time to any crowd.

FREE DAPS is a group of freestyle rappers and improvisers who use hip-hop to create thrilling, one-of-a-kind musical comedy shows. 

With Free Daps, some of the country’s best battle rappers and comedians have joined forces to create a show that is basically a fully-improvised version of “Wild ‘N’ Out” meets “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”

From Disney World and Universal Studios to the NBA Playoffs to hundreds of college campuses all over North America, Free Daps’ skill and humor have left an indelible impression. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, improv or just having a little interactive fun, Free Daps has something for you. 

From the time the first beat drops, their shows make the audience the star by making everything up based on crowd suggestions. No two shows are the same and no one leaves without a one-of-a-kind experience that they helped create.