Mecklenburg County High School Students Shine at Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference
Virginia DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. This year, more than 5,600 students from across the Commonwealth competed at the State Leadership Conference, stepping into real world business scenarios that tested their knowledge, confidence, and composure under pressure.
Students from Mecklenburg County High School rose to the occasion and represented our district with professionalism, grit, and pride.
Fueling Their Future Through Competition
The conference theme challenged students to consider one powerful question: How will you fuel your future?
DECA’s Competitive Events Program immerses students in authentic business challenges through role plays, case studies, exams, and strategic presentations. Competitors analyze business problems on the spot, develop solutions, and present their thinking with clarity and confidence. These experiences sharpen critical thinking, communication, leadership, and decision making skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Preparation for SLC is no small task. Students spent weeks studying performance indicators, practicing role plays, taking exams, and refining presentations. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones reflects the very heart of Mecklenburg County Public Schools’ vision: equipping every student with the skills and knowledge to adapt, lead, and succeed.
Celebrating Outstanding Achievement
Competing in events that often include more than 100 students each requires focus and discipline. Standing out among thousands across Virginia is an exceptional accomplishment.
🏅 Marissa Davis earned recognition as a Top Role Play Finisher and medalist in Restaurant and Food Service Management Series.
🏅 Christian Lecher was named Top Exam Finisher and medalist in Principles of Finance.
🏆 Christian also placed Top 9 overall in Principles of Finance, combining his exam and role play scores to earn a coveted spot at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. This marks only the second time in 20 years that Mecklenburg will be represented at ICDC. Last year’s qualifier, Russell Sager, enthusiastically supported his classmate throughout the weekend.
Christian extends a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Carrie Jacobs for being a dedicated Finance teacher who prepares her students for opportunities like this.
Recognizing the Leaders Behind the Success
A big thank you to Mrs. Messick and Mr. Endy for pouring your energy, heart, and time into the DECA student organization. Your leadership, commitment, and belief in students create opportunities that truly change lives.
And thank you, Mrs. Jacobs. This achievement is a powerful reflection of the impact you make every single day. Your dedication, high expectations, and real world preparation give students the confidence to compete at the highest levels.
This success is also made possible by the support of our teachers, administrators, and staff who allow flexibility, reinforce real world lessons in the classroom, and encourage students to pursue excellence. It takes a unified team to prepare students for competition at this level.
The work happening through DECA directly supports our district mission to provide a safe, student focused learning environment that promotes academic excellence, creativity, and student wellness.
We are incredibly proud of all of our Mecklenburg County High School DECA competitors. You represented Mecklenburg with confidence, integrity, and pride.
Go CTE.
#WeAreMCPS #MCPSProud