Two WCHS Juniors Aim for Virginia DECA State Office

Two Warren County High School students are taking their leadership to the next level, running for prestigious positions on the Virginia DECA State Officer Team for 2026.

Juniors Nathalie Abrego and Allie Musil, both deeply involved in their local DECA chapter and School-Based Enterprises (SBEs), have announced their candidacies for state office, roles that require professionalism, time management, and a strong commitment to serving student members across the Commonwealth.

Abrego is running for Region 3 Vice President, while Musil is seeking the role of Vice President of Hospitality. Both students have built strong résumés within DECA through competitive events, leadership roles, and school business operations, earning recognition at district, state, and international levels.

Virginia DECA state officers represent thousands of high school members and serve as the face of the organization throughout the year. Officers are expected to lead workshops, attend state and national conferences, coordinate communication between members, and promote DECA’s brand and mission in schools and communities.

Nathalie Abrego: Leading from the Front

As the current District 9 President, Abrego already has experience leading beyond her school’s chapter. She serves as Co-Manager of Wildcats LIVE!, Warren County’s student-run retail SBE, which achieved Gold Certification from National DECA. Her past roles include Chapter Vice-President of Career Development and multiple placements at DECA events, including a 7th-place finish in Marketing Communications at the 2025 District Conference.

Nathalie Abrego

She also competed at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), representing the SBE-Retail Operations category. Outside of DECA, she’s active in the National Honor Society and athletics, playing on the volleyball and softball teams.

Allie Musil: Combining Business and Hospitality

Musil, running for Vice President of Hospitality, is also a Co-Manager of an SBE—DECA Tailgaters, focusing on food operations. She placed 1st at the State Leadership Conference in the School-Based Enterprises-Food Operations category and advanced to the ICDC, representing Virginia on the international stage.

Allie Musil

This year, she serves as Vice-President of Finance for the WCHS DECA chapter. Musil also excels outside the classroom, serving as a Junior Class Officer and competing on the cross country and track teams, while maintaining her membership in the National Honor Society.

Leadership with a Purpose

Both candidates have shown a clear understanding of DECA’s mission: preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. If elected, they will spend 5–7 hours each week on leadership programs, event planning, and communication with local chapters.

Virginia DECA emphasizes brand awareness, growth mindset, leadership, and organization as core expectations for its officers. Candidates are expected to be role models on social media, in professional settings, and in representing their peers statewide.

“These positions require students who can balance academics, leadership, and service,” said WCHS DECA advisor Richard Gardner. “Nathalie and Allie have demonstrated that commitment, and they are ready to make an impact across Virginia.”

Election results are expected at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference in February.

For more about Virginia DECA and the State Officer program, visit: www.vadeca.org