Distributive Education Clubs Of America (DECA) is a non profit and technical organization for high school and college students pursuing a career in business, marketing, hospitality and management. On Friday, February 28, members of Briar Woods DECA traveled to Virginia Beach for the annual Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference (SLC). 

65 Briar Woods DECA members competed against the best students from chapters all over Virginia in competitive events,with the hope that it would secure them spots for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida this April. Competing is a huge opportunity for students to showcase their business and marketing skills in competitive role play and presentations that allow them to be entrepreneurs or leaders for the day. 

The conference culminated with the Grand Awards session on March 2. Students woke up bright and early to find out who was moving on. 17 students would qualify for the illustrious conference, with 15 of the 17 going to internationals for the first time in their DECA career. 

Junior Cara Roser placed fourth in Travel Team Decision Making to qualify for ICDC, it was her first time attending the State Conference. Roser said, “It was intimidating and exciting, stressful but it was a new experience.” 

Students, like Roser, work hard for several months to prepare for the competition and going on stage is symbolic of that work paying off. “It was really cool because I did not expect it but I still felt like I earned it, and I was excited for the opportunity,” states Roser.

SLC was just another reminder of the hard work that of the students, but also the great advisors of Briar Woods DECA:  Ms. Vandyke, Mr. Kohlasch and Mr. Uhry.  This advisory team helps these young entrepreneurs to prepare for the annual conference. 

Briar Woods wishes the ICDC qualifiers good luck, and that they will soar to bring back DECA Glass to the school.