After their final event for 2014-2015, Nansemond River High School’s DECA students are looking forward to applying newfound knowledge and confidence during the next competitive season.

The Virginia State Leadership Conference was recently held in Virginia Beach. “All the students who won at district went on to the state competition,” marketing education teacher Michele Duncan said.

Competing with students from across the state, including from Northern Virginia, the Warriors “did a good job,” she said.

“We are a single-coordinator school, whereas some schools have four coordinators. But everyone competes on the same level; they go in as regular competitors,” according to Duncan.

Two Nansemond River students, Duncan said, were eligible to attend the national competition for the leadership academy after placing in the top 10 in human resource management — Tala Hughes, in both the role play and overall, and Joshua George, in the role play.

“They chose not to,” Duncan said, explaining the students would have had to foot the cost themselves. “Both are in the program next year, so they knew they’d have another opportunity.”

George also received a certificate of achievement.

Meanwhile, Diamond Parker received a certificate of achievement in the job interview event, and Bre’Aunna Rush and Kiely Nolan, in the financial services team decision- making event, attended the Student Leadership Development Academy.

Margaret Runyon also received a certificate of achievement in the principles of finance event. Michael Collins competed in the principles of finance event, winning another certificate of achievement for the Warriors.

More certificates of achievements went to Matt Schatzel (personal financial literacy), Ryan Fischer (principles of business management and administration) and Larry Goodman (hotel and lodging management series).

Tyus Joyner served as the voting delegate and went to the Student Leadership Development Academy.

Nansemond River High School’s DECA club also received the preferred award trophy, for submitting the DECA Program of Work Annual Report.

Going before the judges who hail from the world of business presents great benefits for the students, Duncan said.

“They are reading role-playing scenarios for the first time,” she said. “I think it gives them the experience to know they can do that in front of a marketing person. They have the confidence that they are able to do that.”
Only a few of the students are seniors, Duncan said, meaning most will have the chance to apply themselves again next school year.”

“It’s nice to see them when they come back — how they have grown, and they have that confidence,” Duncan added.