Stallion Spirit Store, a school-based enterprise at South County High, was among 246 school-based enterprises achieving DECA’s Gold Level recertification for the 2020-21 school year and will be recognized during DECA’s virtual International Career Development Conference in April. A school-based enterprise (SBE) is an entrepreneurial operation in a school setting that provides goods and services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are managed and operated by students as hands-on learning laboratories that integrate national curriculum standards in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The South County DECA members who contributed to the certification were Sara West and Hiba Hinani with help from their DECA chapter advisor, Sarah Hinkhouse. DECA member and Virginia DECA Region 2 vice president Sara West has been recognized for her leadership during the 2020-21 school year. As one of ten student leaders, West helped create innovative ways for DECA members to engage in community service, to complete competitive events, and to achieve new levels of success. A yearlong community service effort, #VADECACares, provided opportunities for members to focus on kindness, anti-bullying, and mental health through a variety of virtual events, social media challenges, and local activities. As a chapter officer for the second year, West has worked with the team on planning and executing virtual quarterly chapter meetings, organizing chapter promotional and community service campaigns, helping prepare members for competition, and managing social media accounts. West also led her chapter to a Gold Certified School Based Enterprise this year through the 25-page documentation of our efforts to run the school store online. Contact news liaison Lisa Muir at [email protected].