On Saturday, Dec. 15, DECA held its 2024 district competitions, featuring all 17 high schools in Loudoun County. These schools are split into four different districts, with Briar as a part of District 11: competing against Broad Run, Light Ridge, Loudoun County, and Loudoun Valley.
Heather VanDyke, the sponsor and head of Briar Woods’ DECA chapter, shared that the current 2024 competition has had one of the biggest turnouts they have seen in years. Approximately 1,222 kids came from all across the county in all districts, and 81 of those come from Briar Woods in District 11 alone.
DECA is a student organization that exists to help students learn and understand the operations of real world scenarios in business and marketing. The events span across several fields, but all directly connect to the content learned in the marketing and CTE classes available at Briar Woods, so students can practice real world application of what they have learned.
With over 22 competitions as a part of the event, VanDyke shared her pride especially for the first year students in the “Principles of Entrepreneurship” category. She commented, “We swept first, second, and third place, and those are first time competitors.” The category itself consists of a 100 question test, and an in person scenario for students to problem solve through.
Looking ahead, 71 students from Briar are heading off to state competitions in late February. VanDyke anticipatingly expressed “I think we’ll continue to do great,” when it comes to the future of this year’s competitors.
With one of its largest groups yet, Briar Woods DECA continues to reach new heights, teaching students the necessary real world experience, and the success that comes with it.
