Local News
WCHS DECA Triumphs at District 9 Leadership Conference
The Virginia DECA District 9 Leadership Conference, a gathering that brings together some of the brightest young minds in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, recently witnessed an exceptional performance from WCHS DECA. Held at the Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, VA, this event showcased the talent and hard work of students from across the district. WCHS DECA, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, saw twenty-five of its members rise to the top, securing places in the Top 10 in various competitive events.
This remarkable achievement highlights the diverse skill set and dedication of the WCHS DECA team. From accounting and entrepreneurship to job interviews, marketing communications, personal financial literacy, and more, the students demonstrated their prowess across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The event served as a platform for these young professionals to showcase their abilities, with competitions designed to test their knowledge, creativity, and strategic thinking.
The conference not only offered a competitive arena for these students but also an opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas, and gain valuable insights into the world of business and marketing. Recognizing their accomplishments, National Media Services, Inc. awarded the top performers with commemorative shirts, a gesture that underscores the community’s support for youth development and educational excellence.

Here’s a few of the Top 10 winners sporting their t-shirts provided by National Media Services, Inc.
Photos of the student winners, capturing moments of pride and joy, underscore the significance of this achievement for the individuals and the school. As WCHS DECA continues to build on this success, the community looks forward to seeing these young leaders develop into the entrepreneurs and business professionals of tomorrow.
This accomplishment at the Virginia DECA District 9 Leadership Conference is not just a win for the students but a shining example of the potential within WCHS DECA to inspire, innovate, and lead in the ever-evolving world of business and marketing.
Here is the list of the top ten finishers. Their success is a testament to the rigorous preparation and mentorship of the WCHS DECA advisors and the supportive school community.
- Caden Monroe – Accounting
- Breanna Taylor – Entrepreneurship
- Ayaana Vasishta – Entrepreneurship
- Allie Musil – Job Interview
- Alexa Bradley – Job Interview
- Arely Lamas-Sanchez – Job Interview
- Sadie Patterson – Job Interview
- Aiden Dunnet – Marketing Communicatons
- Delaney Haw – Marketing Communicatons
- Kiara Wiles – Marketing Communicatons
- Evie Huston – Personal Financial Literacy
- Carissa Spear – Personal Financial Literacy
- Sofia Kozhenevsky – Personal Financial Literacy
- Owen Thorpe – Personal Financial Literacy
- Joselyn Leyva – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
- Jonathan Panciera – Principles of Marketing
- Brady Strickler – Principles of Marketing
- Vincent Lamendola – Principles of Marketing
- Madison Wadas – Quick Service Restaurant Management
- Ella Martin – Quick Service Restaurant Management
- Sophia Logan – Restaurant and Food Service Management
- Lisa Hoelsher – Restaurant and Food Service Management
- Joseph Abril – Social Media Marketing
- Nathalie Abrego – Social Media Marketing
- Makayla Harper – Social Media Marketing
