The Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Virginia State Leadership Conference took place Feb. 27 – March 1 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. More than 3,000 students from around the state participated in competitive events and leadership activities, and Virginia Beach’s students took home some big honors.
Kempsville High School DECA chapter took home 19 awards at the conference, and 30 students advanced from the district contest to the state contest. Eight students will represent Kempsville at the International Career Development Conference in April in Orlando, Florida.
Among the awards, Kempsville High School’s School Store, The Tradn’ Post, was recognized as a Gold Certified School Based Enterprise. The school store is operated by the Advanced Fashion Marketing classes.
Additionally, Kempsville High School DECA officers were also selected as members of National DECA Honor Society. President Katie Stoakley, also received the Merit Award for exceptional academics and leadership.
Also representing Virginia Beach were 43 students from Landstown High School, Governor’s STEM and Technology Academy, who participated in the conference. Eight students are also eligible to advance to the International Career Development Conference. Among the awards Landstown took home was a Blue Chip Award for its annual report as well being named the largest DECA Chapter in Region 4. Landstown has 287 Virginia and National DECA members.
From the Advanced Technology Center, Triston Creekmore was an overall finalist in the Food Marketing Series Event. He will also be advancing to DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando. In addition, fellow ATC classmate D’Angelo Darby received a medal for a Pricing Role play in Business Services Management.
For a complete list of winners, click here.