Recipient of the “Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship” announced

The Warren County High School DECA Chapter has announced that Makayla Grant is the recipient of the annual Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship for 2021. On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Makayla was presented the $1000.00 scholarship by the family of Dr. Maiden. Presenting the award were Chip Maiden (son), Paige Smoak (daughter), and Marylee Maiden (wife), all of Columbia, SC.

Makayla has been a 3-year member of WCHS and Virginia DECA. She has completed all three years at the district and state levels of DECA and qualified as a national DECA competitor in 2020. As a junior (2019-2020), Makayla was co-manager of DECA Tailgaters, a school-based enterprise selling food at local events and festivals. She was instrumental in having the SBE receive a Gold Certification award from DECA, Inc. (i.e., National DECA) in 2019-20. Currently, Makayla is the chapter’s Vice-President of Engagement & Recruitment.

Makayla had this to say about her involvement in DECA. “As a member in DECA, I’ve improved my skills in communications, presentation, writing, and digital media. The project that I am the proudest of leading was this year’s membership campaign. DECA has taught me how to present myself, professionally, in front of others. DECA has helped me identify a new passion, marketing, that I plan to pursue as a student at VCU.”

Front (L-R): Makayla Grant, Marylee Maiden, & Paige Smoak. Rear(L-R): Angelique Grant, Irvin Grant, & Chip Maiden

She also added, “No matter the profession someone is choosing to go into, DECA is a club that can provide them with a solid foundation of skills to be successful in life.”

In addition to DECA, Makayla is a member of the National Honor Society, a 4-year letter winner in outdoor and indoor track, and lettered in volleyball. She has also been active in community service and local church activities as a student at WCHS.

The scholarship is named after Dr. Leonard F. Maiden, a 1950 graduate of Warren County High School. Dr. Maiden was active in DECA as a student, and later as a professor at the University of South Carolina. As a WCHS student, Dr. Maiden was elected as the first High School President of National DECA in 1949. Throughout his life and career, Dr. Maiden never lost his love for DECA. He volunteered for many years as a judge in DECA state conferences. He mentored students learning to become teachers.

The Dr. Leonard F. Maiden DECA Scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating WCHS DECA Senior in the amount of $1000.00.