Awards and Accolades

RECOGNITION AWARDS

Washington DECA recognizes its members through a variety of recognition programs for distinguished achievement as academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders.

WASHINGTON DECA
AREA MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Washington DECA Areas award one chapter member who has gone above and beyond in support of their Area, chapter, school, and community. All 11 recipients will be recognized at the State Career Development Conference.

Questions can be submitted via email to Nicole Cowan, Washington DECA State Officer Coach, at nicole@wadeca.org.

Nomination Process

STEP 1:

Complete Nomination Form

STEP 2:

Submit Nomination by January 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Past Award Recipients
PREVIOUS MEMEBERS OF THE YEAR:
  • 2024
    • Area 1 | Kyler Woodrich, Ferndale HS
    • Area 2 | Carson Burley, Archbishop Murphy HS
    • Area 3 | Tanzil Hussain, Eastlake HS
    • Area 4 | Song Ling Ngo, Newport HS
    • Area 5 | Erica Guzman, Auburn Riverside HS
    • Area 6 | Ali Lemieux, Richland HS
    • Area 7 | Raul Alvarado, Franklin Pierce HS
    • Area 8 | Mae McDougall, Olympia HS
    • Area 9 | Lexi Vo, Heritage HS
    • Area 10 | Crystal Espinoza, Quincy HS
    • Area 11 | Parker Thams, Mead HS
  • 2023
    • Area 1 | Isabell Kelsey, Marysville-Pilchuck
    • Area 2 | Tyler Cho, Henry M. Jackson HS
    • Area 3 | Mili Joshi, Lake Washington HS
    • Area 4 | Shashwat Jannawar, Issaquah HS
    • Area 5 | Andrew Luu, Todd Beamer HS
    • Area 6 | Isabella Martinez, Prosser HS
    • Area 7 | Athena Westland, Sumner HS
    • Area 8 | Miranda Campos, Lakes HS
    • Area 9 | Isabella Merzoian, Mark Morris HS
    • Area 10 | Caitlin Pham, West Valley HS
    • Area 11 | Greta Boreson, Clarkston HS
  • 2022 Evan Ellis, Chiawana High School
  • 2021 Stone Wolfgang, Bothell High School
  • 2020 Susheel Cheeti, Skyline High School
  • 2019 Anthony Damitio, Archbishop Murphy High School
  • 2018 Mariah Alexander, Skyline High School
  • 2017 Xeindria Chandran, Cascade Sr. High School

WASHINGTON DECA
ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Each year, the advisors of Washington DECA nominate one of their peers who has gone above and beyond in supporting Washington DECA and preparing students for area, state, and international competition. The Advisor of the Year is selected based on their commitment to professionalism in managing their chapter, preparing members for competition, encouraging members to apply for scholarships, and for contributing to the greater good of Washington DECA by being involved in an advisor leadership role. Only DECA advisors may nominate a fellow advisor for this award.

Nomination Process

STEP 1:

Complete Nomination Form | Available Winter 2024

STEP 2:

Submit Nomination by Deadline | TBA

Past Award Recipients
2024 ADVISOR OF THE YEAR:

Randy Wilson, Lakes High School

Karen Morton, Lake Stevens High School

 

PREVIOUS ADVISORS OF THE YEAR:
  • 2023 Shawn Perez, Heritage High School
  • 2022 Erin Ruehl, Shadle Park High School
  • 2021 Brad Charvet, Grandview High School
  • 2020 Bryan Venema, John R. Rogers High School
  • 2019 Marc Hillestad, Cedarcrest High School
  • 2018 Brenda Grabski, Capital High School
  • 2017 Greg McCormick, Mark Morris High School
  • 2016 Tim Crawley, Highline High School
  • 2015 Ray McCabe, Hazen High School
  • 2014 BJ Sherman, Skyline High School
  • 2013 Stephanie Schirm, Richland High School
  • 2012 Paul Glenovich, Woodinville High School
  • 2011 Dennis Rockwood, Inglemoor High School
  • 2010 Sherry Busby, Camas High School
  • 2009 Lori Jacobs, Auburn High School
  • 2008 Heidi Wilson, Kamiakin High School
  • 2007 Mike Dwyer, Eisenhower High School
  • 2006 Dave Eby, Olympia High School
  • 2005 Ron Cooper, Bothell High School
  • 2004 Doug Aubert, Auburn Riverside High School
  • 2003 Lynn Carey, Clarkston High School
  • 2002 Karen Timken, Arlington High School;
    Laura Jones, Pasco High School;
    Jim Burton, Auburn High School;
    Yetta Rouse, Lindbergh High School;
    Rick Davis, Kelso High School

WASHINGTON DECA
CHAPTER CHAMPION AWARDS

The Chapter Champion Award recognizes chapters for their work and leadership in empowering their members through unique projects, programs and events!

Chapters will be awarded in four categories, each aligning with a DECA Guiding Principle. Chapters can submit for more than one category. Winning chapters will be:

  • Recognized onstage at the State Career Development Conference
  • Highlighted on the @washingtondeca Instagram
  • Featured on wadeca.org/awards

CATEGORIES FOR SUBMISSION

    Academically Prepared

    How has your chapter worked to get your members competition ready?

    Professionally Responsible

    How has your chapter prepared your members for their future careers outside of competition?

    Community Oriented

    How has your chapter served your local community?

    Experienced Leaders

    What unique/innovative events, programs, and projects has your chapter conducted that do not fit in any of the above categories?

    ALL SUBMISSIONS DUE FEBRUARY 14, 2025

      WASHINGTON DECA
      HALL OF FAME AWARD

      Each year, Washington DECA inducts an advisor, board member, or business supporter into the Hall of Fame. These inductees have made a lasting impact on the organization by giving years of service as well as volunteer and financial support. It is one of the highest honors to be part of this elite group of Washington DECA supporters.

      Nomination Process

      We currently are not taking nominations for this award.
      Past Award Recipients
      PREVIOUS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
      • 2022 Linda Andersen
      • 2019 Rick Davis
      • 2018 Dave Eby and Kandice Herndon
      • 2017 Rod Brooks
      • 2016 Kurt Imerman
      • 2015 Dr. Gary Cohn and Diane Heath
      • 2014 Maggie Wall
      • 2013 Ron Cooper
      • 2012 Sherry Busby
      • 2011 George Way
      • 2010 Yette Rouse
      • 2009 Jim Pankiewicz
      • 2008 Jim Burton
      • 2007 Ed Price and Kim Villeneuve
      • 2006 Kristin Crowe
      • 2005 Don Bailey and Jim Greiger
      • 2004 Pat Knowles; Judy West; Jerry Gribble; and Margaret Rosbach
      • 2002 Patsy Ethridge-Neal
      • 2000 Bill Crossman
      • 1999 Ginger Anderson; Jerry Bender; Dennis Caplen; Bobbie Peterson; Fred Rexus; and Bill D. Syhlman
      • 1998 Floyd Ashcroft; Jim Blue; Bob Leingang; Leroy McCartney; Jack Ray; and Dee Webster
      • 1997 K. Otto Logan

      WASHINGTON DECA
      DECA DIAMOND AWARD

      The Diamond Award recognizes an organization or individual who consistently provides time, talent and treasure in support of DECA’s mission and vision.

      Past Award Recipients
      2024 DIAMOND AWARD RECIPIENT:

      Visit Bellevue

       

      PREVIOUS DIAMOND AWARD WINNERS:
      • 2023 Sound Credit Union
      • 2022 The Bellevue Collection
      • 2021 Microsoft
      • 2020 BECU
      • 2019 Pemco Insurance