WCHS DECA Students Shine at State Conference, Advance to Nationals

Students from Warren County High School’s DECA chapter delivered an impressive performance at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference, held Feb. 27 through March 1, earning top honors and advancing dozens of competitors to the national stage.

The Warren County High School DECA chapter poses together at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference, where 49 students competed and 23 qualified for the national competition.

A total of 49 students competed at the conference, with four additional students participating in a leadership academy. By the end of the event, 23 students had qualified for the DECA International Career Development Conference, while 13 students placed in the top 10 in their respective events.

Leading the way was Nathanial Greenwell, who earned first place in the Virtual Business Challenge for Personal Finance.

Other top finishers included Hazel Foster and Isabelle Rappole, who placed second in the Business Solutions Project, and Joseph Abril, who earned third place in Quick Serve Restaurant Management.

Warren County High School students Isabelle Rappole and Hazel Foster earned second place in the Business Solutions Project at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Warren County High School student Jordan Avery earned fourth place in Principles of Finance at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Warren County High School student Joseph Abril earned third place in Quick Serve Restaurant Management at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Warren County High School students Lisa Hoelsher, Anna Kozhenevsky, and Lauren Foltz earned fifth place in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Event at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Additional standout performances included Jordan Avery, who placed fourth in Principles of Finance, and two teams that earned fifth-place finishes: Lauren Foltz, Lisa Hoelsher, and Anna Kozhenevsky in the Integrated Marketing Campaign, and Cullen Ahmed and Emma Gibbons in the Sales Project.

Greenwell also contributed to a 10th-place finish in the Financial Literacy Project alongside Kaitlyn Keener and Kaylee Presgraves.

A Tradition of Excellence

In addition to individual and team success, the WCHS DECA chapter was recognized as a Top Performing Chapter for the ninth consecutive year, highlighting the program’s continued strength and consistency.

Warren County High School student Nathalie Abrego was elected Virginia DECA Region 3 Vice President at the state conference.

The chapter also saw leadership success, with Nathalie Abrego elected as Virginia DECA Region 3 Vice President, a state-level officer position.

Chapter advisors Rick Gardner and Heidi Rutz were each honored with Outstanding Advisor awards, recognizing their leadership and commitment to student success.

Community and Business Connections

The program’s impact extends beyond the classroom, with strong ties to the local business community.

Sue Laurence was recognized as a Friend of Virginia DECA for her support of student programs and local business education.

Sue Laurence, owner of White Picket Fence/Key Move Properties, was recognized as a “Friend of Virginia DECA” for her ongoing support.

Allie Musil and Alexa Bradley, student managers of DECA Tailgaters, earned Gold recertification for their school-based enterprise at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Arely Lamas-Sanchez and Jared Navarrete, student managers of Wildcats’ Corner, earned Gold recertification for their school-based enterprise at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Makayla Harper and Nathalie Abrego, student managers of Wildcats LIVE!, earned Gold recertification for their school-based enterprise at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference.

Three school-based enterprises operated by students also earned Gold certification, the highest level of recognition:

• DECA Tailgaters, managed by Alexa Bradley and Allie Musil
• Wildcats’ Corner, managed by Arely Lamas-Sanchez and Jared Navarrete
• Wildcats LIVE!, managed by Nathalie Abrego and Makayla Harper

Looking Ahead

With more than 20 students advancing to nationals and multiple award-winning projects, WCHS DECA continues to provide students with real-world business experience and leadership opportunities.

The upcoming international competition will give these students a chance to compete against top performers from across the country, building on their strong showing at the state level.