Lisa Hoelsher Named 2026 Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship Recipient

Warren County High School DECA has named Lisa Hoelsher as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the legacy and memory of Dr. Leonard F. Maiden. In partnership with the Maiden family, Warren County High School DECA presents the scholarship each year to a graduating DECA senior who has shown achievement, leadership, and commitment to the organization.

Lisa Hoelsher, recipient of the 2026 Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship, is pictured with her parents, Geoffrey and Andrea Hoelsher.

Lisa, the daughter of Geoffrey and Andrea Hoelsher, has been a member of WCHS DECA for three years. During that time, she became a three-time district winner, earned a state win this year, and competed at the National DECA International Career Development Conference.

In addition to her work with DECA, Lisa is a member of the National Honor Society and the Warren County High School volleyball team.

For Lisa, DECA became more than a school activity. It helped shape her confidence and her future plans.

“DECA challenged me to step out of my comfort zone through presenting and preparing for competitions that simulated realistic business situations,” Lisa said. “Rather than keeping my distance from these situations, I faced them and grew.”

She said that growth became clear as she competed at the district and state levels.

“What was once intimidating and not for me had become intriguing and motivating,” she said. “Because of DECA, my plans for the future have shifted entirely. Instead of avoiding business, I am now pursuing a degree in marketing with a concentration in sales.”

Lisa will continue her education this fall at James Madison University, where she plans to major in marketing.

Through her success in DECA, academics, and athletics, Lisa has shown the drive and leadership the Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship was created to recognize.