Mountain View’s DECA Earns Diamond Status

Mountain View High School’s DECA chapter is heading into the state competition season with major momentum and some impressive recognition to match. Students will travel to Virginia Beach not only to compete, but also to be celebrated as a Diamond Chapter, the highest distinction a DECA chapter can earn at the state level.

DECA is a nationally recognized career and technical student organization focused on preparing students for futures in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through hands-on projects, competitive events, and leadership opportunities, DECA connects classroom learning with real-world business skills. With more than 300,000 members worldwide, standing out at this level is no small feat.

Earning Diamond status reflects consistent excellence across multiple areas, including membership growth, chapter operations, and community engagement. Chapters progress through several tiers — Star, Super Star, Platinum, and finally Diamond — making this recognition a milestone that few schools achieve. In Virginia alone, only a small fraction of chapters reach the top tier each year.

This year, Mountain View DECA also earned “Thrive” recognition in both Membership and Chapter Campaigns, placing the chapter among just 17 out of more than 200 DECA chapters statewide to do so. These campaigns focus on building strong participation, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful connections within the school and local community. The accomplishment reflects months of planning, teamwork, and student leadership behind the scenes.

Membership growth has been one of the chapter’s most visible successes. From just a few dozen students earlier in the decade, Mountain View DECA has grown into the largest chapter in Region 3, which includes 40 schools. That growth gives the chapter a stronger voice at the state level, including representation in the process of selecting future DECA state officers.

Competition results have followed the same upward trajectory. At district competition in November, Mountain View students earned over 100 awards, and nearly 100 members are preparing to compete at the state level. Several students have already secured qualification spots for international competition later this spring.

Community service remains a core part of the chapter’s identity. Students have organized and participated in initiatives such as school supply drives, book donations, holiday food collections, and support projects for service members. Upcoming workshops focused on resumes and interview skills aim to give back to both members and the wider community.

As the chapter prepares for state competition, the Diamond Chapter recognition serves as both a celebration and a challenge, a sign that Mountain View DECA has built something special and that its students are ready to keep raising the bar.