Ella Martin and Breanna Taylor Named 2025 Maiden DECA Scholarship Recipients

Warren County High School’s DECA chapter has announced the 2025 recipients of the Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship. This year, the $1,000 award will be shared by two outstanding seniors, Ella Martin and Breanna “Bre” Taylor, in recognition of their leadership, academic excellence, and remarkable commitment to DECA and their community.

The scholarship, created in 2021 in memory of Dr. Leonard F. Maiden, honors students who have shown exceptional dedication to DECA, the career and technical student organization focused on business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The winners were revealed during the WCHS Senior Awards Ceremony held on May 1.

Ella Martin

Ella Martin, a four-year DECA member, has become a standout leader within the chapter. For three consecutive years, she served as a chapter officer and consistently represented Warren County High School at both district and state DECA competitions. Notably, she made three appearances at the prestigious International Career Development Conference (ICDC), a rare accomplishment for high school students in the program. As a freshman, her team placed fifth in the state in the Chapter Sales Project category.

Outside of DECA, Martin is equally driven. She served as class president every year of high school—a unique achievement that speaks to her leadership and popularity among her peers. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been a dedicated athlete, competing in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track all four years.

Reflecting on her experience, Martin said, “My years in DECA have been a potent part in building my confidence and interpersonal skills and pushing my creativity and ability to work with others. I am so lucky to have been able to be a part of such an amazing organization.”

Martin plans to attend the College of William and Mary in the fall, where she will major in human health and physiology.

Breanna Taylor

Breanna Taylor, also a four-year DECA participant, has held multiple leadership roles, including chapter vice president, chapter president, and most recently, President of Virginia DECA District 9. In this regional role, she supported DECA chapters throughout the district and represented the voices of student leaders across the state.

Taylor is no stranger to competitive success either. She is a two-time DECA state champion, and in 2024, her team earned a spot as a Top 20 finalist at the ICDC, one of the highest honors available in high school-level business competitions.

Her leadership extended into community service, too. Taylor volunteers with the Front Royal Police Department, demonstrating a commitment to civic involvement and public service.

“The driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in the business and marketing industry after high school has been DECA,” Taylor shared. “Competing at high levels and taking on leadership roles have helped me to develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.”

Taylor will begin her college journey at Laurel Ridge Community College and plans to transfer to James Madison University to pursue a degree in business and marketing.

The Warren County High School DECA Chapter expressed gratitude for the continued support of local businesses, whose contributions helped make it possible to award the scholarship to both deserving students this year.

With their strong leadership, academic achievements, and passion for business and service, both Ella Martin and Breanna Taylor reflect the values that Dr. Leonard F. Maiden championed. Their futures look bright as they take the next steps in their education and careers.