WCHS DECA Shines at District Competition; 13 Students Advance to State Conference

Warren County High School’s DECA chapter made a strong showing at the Virginia DECA District 9 Leadership Conference, held at Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester. Competing among more than 365 students from 10 area high schools, 66 WCHS students participated in the event, with many bringing home top honors.

Sixty-six Warren County High School DECA members competed at the 2025 District 9 Leadership Conference, showcasing their skills in marketing, finance, hospitality, and business. The team proudly represented WCHS among 10 schools and over 365 students from across the region.

Out of the 66 students, 38 placed in the Top 10 in their individual events. Even more impressively, 13 WCHS students earned spots at the upcoming State Leadership Conference, scheduled for February 27 to March 1, 2026.

The District 9 conference gave students a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a wide range of career areas, including marketing, finance, hospitality, and business management. The competitions included written tests, role-play scenarios, and interviews designed to test real-world knowledge and professionalism.

“Our students worked hard to prepare for this event,” said Richard Gardner, WCHS DECA advisor. “They showed great dedication and poise in their presentations. We’re proud of every single participant and are excited for our state qualifiers.”

State Qualifiers from WCHS:

• Nathaniel Greenwell – 1st Place, Personal Financial Literacy
• Jared Navarrete – 1st Place, Restaurant and Food Service Management
• Lisa Hoelsher – 2nd Place, Marketing Communications
• Joseph Abril – 2nd Place, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
• Rhea Schroeder – 2nd Place, Apparel & Accessories Marketing
• Olesya Kozenevsky – 3rd Place, Job Interview
• Julianne Dean – 3rd Place, Personal Financial Literacy
• Jordan Avery – 4th Place, Principles of Finance
• Athen Andersen – 4th Place, Sports Marketing
• Allie Musil – 4th Place, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
• Gabriella Alvarado – 4th Place, Business Services Marketing
• Abigail Plosch – 4th Place, Principles of Business Management

This strong performance reflects the continued success of the WCHS DECA program, which helps students develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills through hands-on business and marketing education.

Next up, the state qualifiers will prepare for the 2026 Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference, where they’ll compete with top students from across the Commonwealth. A strong showing there could earn them a place at the DECA International Career Development Conference, one of the largest student business competitions in the world.

DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges worldwide. Warren County High School’s DECA chapter continues to be a strong example of the program’s impact in preparing students for the future.