Paetow High School’s First-Ever 'DecaCon' Brings Pop Culture, Competition, and Community Together in Katy ISD
For families across the Katy ISD area, a typical school fundraiser might mean spirit nights or donation drives. But this weekend, Paetow High School is trying something entirely different—one that reflects both the creativity of its students and the evolving culture of today’s classrooms.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Patricia E. Paetow High School will host its inaugural DecaCon, a pop-culture convention designed to raise funds for the school’s Academic Decathlon team. The event, open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers a full day of gaming, cosplay, workshops, and community engagement—all for a $5 admission fee.
The event represents more than just a weekend activity. It’s a chance to directly support local students while experiencing something new, interactive, and family-friendly close to home.
A Fundraiser That Reflects Today’s Students
DecaCon was created with a simple idea: make fundraising meaningful—and memorable.
The concept comes from John Simons, founder of Houston’s well-known Comicpalooza and current advisor for the Paetow High School Academic Decathlon team. Drawing from his background in large-scale pop culture events, Simons saw an opportunity to bring that same energy to a school setting.
“I became an author after moving on from Comicpalooza and started teaching high school to support my new career. When I took over a new class, Academic Decathlon, and realized that we needed to fundraise to pay for competition participation, I thought a con might be more fun than a sponsored spirit night out. Thus, DecaCon was born!”
By combining entertainment with education, the event highlights how schools like Paetow High School are finding creative ways to engage students while funding academic opportunities.
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What to Expect at DecaCon in Katy
Set at Patricia E. Paetow High School, located at 23111 Stockdick School Rd., Katy, TX 77493, DecaCon is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests—making it accessible for students, families, and pop-culture enthusiasts alike.
Attendees can expect:
- Video game tournaments, including popular competitive titles
- Tabletop gaming, including Magic: The Gathering
- A Super Smash Bros. tournament
- A cosplay contest with prizes (on-site registration begins at 10 a.m.)
- Artists, comic creators, and local vendors
- Writers’ workshops for aspiring storytellers
- Food and refreshments available throughout the day
A special guest appearance by Bradly Smith, known for his work with Ryan’s Toy Review and Combo Panda, adds an extra layer of excitement—particularly for younger attendees and families.
Supporting Academic Excellence at Paetow High School
While the event is designed to be fun and engaging, its purpose is rooted in something much deeper: supporting the Paetow High School Academic Decathlon team.
Academic Decathlon is a nationally recognized program that challenges students across multiple disciplines, including math, science, literature, economics, and speech. Participation often requires travel, materials, and registration fees—costs that can add up quickly.
Events like DecaCon help bridge that gap, ensuring more students have access to competitive academic opportunities regardless of financial barriers.
For Katy area residents, this creates a direct connection between community support and student success. Every ticket purchased contributes to expanding opportunities for local students representing Paetow High School.
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Why This Matters for Katy Area Families
As Katy ISD continues to grow, events like DecaCon reflect a broader shift in how schools connect with their communities. They are no longer just educational institutions—they are gathering places, innovation hubs, and sources of neighborhood pride.
For families across the Katy area, DecaCon offers a nearby and affordable weekend activity while also strengthening connections to Paetow High School, supporting programs that enhance student achievement, and showcasing the creativity and initiative of local educators and students.
It’s also a reminder that academic programs thrive not just through classroom effort, but through community involvement.
What Happens Next
If DecaCon proves successful, it could set the stage for future events at Paetow High School—potentially becoming an annual tradition in Katy ISD.
For now, organizers are focused on building momentum and creating an experience that resonates with attendees while meeting the needs of the Academic Decathlon team.
Residents interested in attending can simply show up at the door on March 28, with admission set at $5.
As neighborhoods across Katy continue to grow alongside Katy ISD, events like DecaCon highlight the role schools play in shaping not just students—but the broader community experience.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Katy area updates, school events, and community stories that matter to you.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.