WCHS DECA Achievements Shine at State Leadership Conference

In an impressive showcase of talent and dedication, thirty-two students from the WCHS DECA chapter embarked on a journey to Virginia Beach to participate in the VA DECA State Leadership Conference from March 1st to 3rd, 2024. Their participation culminated in outstanding achievements, with several students securing their spots to compete at the prestigious DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, California, from April 26th to May 1st.

Thirty-two WCHS DECA students competed during the VA DECA State Leadership Conference March 1 – 3 in Va Beach.

Among the stars, Sophia Logan, Breanna Taylor, and Ayaana Vasishta clinched 4th place in the Sales Project Management event. Their innovative project involved organizing and conducting a sales venture during the Fall Festival of Leaves, showcasing their ability to turn a simple idea into a successful endeavor. Similarly, Aiden Dunnet and Jonathan Panciera earned 6th place in the Integrated Marketing Campaign category for their creative promotional campaign for the school’s yearbook, The Mirror, demonstrating their marketing prowess.

The team of Ayaana Vasishta, Bre Taylor, & Sophia Logan placed 4th In the Sales Project Management Event

The duo of Raymond Dingess and Marshall Barton received Gold Certification for their exceptional management of Wildcats LIVE!, a school-based enterprise in Retail Operations. This company is known for its production of live streams for various sports events and game day programs, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit. Ella Martin, Sadie Patterson, and Madison Wadas also achieved Gold Certification in the Food Operations category for their management of DECA Tailgaters, a vendor at local school and community events, showing their culinary business acumen.

Raymond Dingess and Marshall Barton, Student Managers of the chapter’s School Based Enterprise-Retail Operations, Wildcats LIVE!

The chapter’s School-Based Enterprise for Food Operations, the DECA Tailgaters, was recognized for its Gold Certification. Pictured above are (L-R) Madison Wadas, Manager, Ella Martin, Manager, and Sadie Patterson (with Ella Martin), Presenter.

Caden Monroe displayed his expertise by securing 8th Place in Accounting Operations, further adding to the chapter’s achievements. The team of April Escobar and Kiara Wiles were finalists with their compelling Integrated Marketing Promotion Campaign for Donahoe’s Whimsical Flowers, illustrating their creative marketing skills.

Caden Monroe placed 8th in Accounting Operations

April Escobar & Kiara Wiles were finalists for Their integrated marketing promotional campaign Presentation.

Notably, Sofia Kozhenevsky participated in the Entrepreneur’s “Pitch” Lab, impressing with a trade show display of her interior design business, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that DECA fosters. Adding to the chapter’s accolades, Sarah Gardner, a mentor from Carahsoft Technology Corp., was honored as a “Friend of VA DECA” for her invaluable support to the students.

Sofia Kozhenevsky created a trade show display of her interior design business, Sofa’s Home & Room Design, in the Entrepreneur “Pitch” Lab.

Sarah Gardner was recognized as a “Friend of VA DECA” for her mentorship of chapter members during the past six years.

Sophia Logan, the Chapter President, was awarded a $1,000 VA DECA scholarship, recognizing her leadership and contributions. The chapter also extends its gratitude to National Media Services, Inc. in Front Royal, for their generous congratulatory gifts to the state winners and finalists, each receiving a personalized 32 oz. tumbler.

Sophia Logan received a $1000.00 Va DECA scholarship.

A congratulatory gift to our state winners and finalists from National Media Services, Inc.

With fifteen students gearing up for the ICDC in April, the WCHS DECA chapter is a testament to its members’ hard work, creativity, and leadership skills. The community is encouraged to support these young achievers by donating to their trip, ensuring they have the opportunity to shine on the international stage.

Jonathan Panciera & Aiden Dunnet placed 6th in their Integrated Marketing Campaign-Product event.