DECA students test skills and prepare for state competition


Posted: February 5, 2021

In January, marketing students in NNPS Career and Technical Education classes participated at the district-level in the 2021 DECA competition.

Students were judged on their combined performance on a written test and a videotaped presentation in categories including marketing, hospitality, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business management.

Those who placed first or second in their categories will go on to compete at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference held virtually from March 3-7. At the state level, students will take another test online and submit a new video presentation.

DECA education prepares students to be leaders and entrepreneurs through classroom and real-world experiences.

Adriane Graham, marketing teacher at Menchville High School and co-advisor of District 21 DECA, said, "Competitors returned to class the next day abuzz, excited they were given a challenge that provided them something outside of the ordinary to do. They were grateful for an opportunity to get involved beyond the classroom and to hone their marketing and communication skills in an engaging way. From managing their competitive event preparation to navigating the hiccups of online DECA competition, NNPS students showed up impressively."

2021 District DECA Competition Winners

School Student Place Event
Heritage High School Donavian Gray 1st Automotive Services Marketing
Heritage High School Devyn Rascoe 1st Business Finance Series
Heritage High School Keith Roberts 1st Social Media
Heritage High School Genesis Carter 1st Principles of Business Management & Administration
Menchville High School Brandon Dunaway 1st Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
Warwick High School Emily Morris 1st Food Marketing Series
Warwick High School Nicholas Russell 1st Sports & Entertainment Marketing 
Warwick High School Alysabeth Juarez 1st Personal Financial Literacy
Woodside High School Alayah Dixon 1st Hotel & Lodging Management
Woodside High School Miana Oliver 1st Quick Service Restaurant Management
Woodside High School Juan Esquivel 1st Retail Merchandising Series
Heritage High School Zion Smith 2nd Restaurant & Food Service Management
Warwick High School Hannah Brown 2nd Quick Service Restaurant Management
Warwick High School Azarius Livingston 2nd Hotel & Lodging Management
Heritage High School Jaida Lucas 3rd Entrepreneurship Series
Heritage High School Ny'Ana Ward 3rd Quick Service Restaurant Management
Heritage High School Jasiya DeBraux 3rd Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
Woodside High School Michael Cooper 3rd Hotel & Lodging Management
Woodside High School Daija Roane 3rd Principles of Marketing
Woodside High School Lamareiana Jordan 3rd Principles of Business Management & Administration
Nicholas Russell, a senior from Warwick High School, placed first in the sports and entertainment marketing individual event in his district's DECA competition. He will compete in the state DECA Leadership Conference in March.
Nicholas Russell, a senior from Warwick High School, placed first in the sports and entertainment marketing individual event in his district's DECA competition. He will compete in the state DECA Leadership Conference in March.
Marketing students in Newport News dressed for success to make their presentations for the 2021 district DECA competition. Students also completed a written test.
Marketing students in Newport News dressed for success to make their presentations for the 2021 district DECA competition. Students also completed a written test.