AYA Student “Owns Her Future” in State Competition

Mariya, an AYA student from Ukraine living in Virginia, recently participated with her King George High School DECA chapter at the State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach. DECA is a non-profit organization with the mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The organization’s slogan for this school year is “Own Your Future.”

Mariya’s DECA chapter at King George High School promotes marketing, management, and entrepreneurship through community involvement and service, in-school activity and spirit support, and the promotion of positive values and behavior in young people. Students contribute through volunteering, public relations projects, educational outreach, running the school store, fundraising and networking efforts that benefit the local community.

At the state competition, KG DECA enjoyed a strong showing with three 1^st place wins — including victory for Mariya and two teammates in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research. Her team will now move on to represent King George High School in competition at DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) taking place at the end of April in Anaheim, California.

Here is what Mariya had to say about the experience: 

I’m proud to announce that my team won FIRST place at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference in the event of Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research. I’m so excited to compete at the international level at ICDC, which will be in Anaheim, California. We will be competing against teams from the United States as well as Canada and other foreign countries. Who knows? Maybe there will be some Ukrainians. 😉 I’m blessed to represent King George at the international level. California, here we come!

Please join AYA in congratulating Mariya and her teammates for their success at the State Leadership Conference — and in wishing them good luck at the ICDC next month, as they not only compete, but also network with students and businesses from all over the world.

Learn more about hosting great AYA students like Mariya, by getting started today!