PRESIDENT
Emily Ashby
Clarke High School
My name is Emily Kerrigan Ashby. Over the last 17 years, the most important lessons I’ve been taught are to take life one day at a time, and always accept people and things for what they are. The quote: "Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human” suits my life perfectly. I’ve been an active DECA member since my sophomore year in high school, and I am currently the Virginia DECA State President serving 15,000 members. At Clarke County, I’m an avid participant on the soccer, cheerleading, indoor track, and cross country teams. Aside from athletics, I am a member of the National Honor Society and am currently seeking my International Baccalaureate diploma. I love easy listening music like country and reggae, dancing, a good sense of humor and good food. I live for the summertime. The majority of my big, loud, and crazy family was born and raised within a few miles, so I am lucky enough to find ongoing support in them with everything I undertake. In my small hometown of Berryville, I’m confident that this support system extends beyond my blood related family and overflows into my community. My Sunday mornings are spent at Grace Community Church, where I find myself growing into a deeper relationship with god with each passing week. I am also an active Younglife Member. When I’m not home, my favorite place to be is Park City, Utah where I ski and snowboard. I love to travel, and have done so as a student ambassador with the People to People Program. In my free time I love to shop, and when I can, volunteer at the Burwell Morgan Mill in Millwood, Virginia. My favorite book is Gutsy Girls. My hero is definitely my dad, who continues to instill values in me througH his example, and has never failed to view life as anything but a learning experience.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Jeffrey Lloyd
Dominion High School
Hi, my name is Jeffrey Daniel Lloyd but I go by Jeff. I was born May 30, 1992 in Arlington Virginia. I am extremely excited for this upcoming year and am looking forward to being a part of such an incredible organization. First off, I am 17 years old and will be a senior at Dominion High School in Loudoun County. I run varsity Cross Country and swim for my school as well as play Lacrosse. My favorite hobby is building and riding longboards and I also love to snowboard and wakeboard. My favorite bands are Blink 182 and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I love to eat Chipotle, chill with my friends. I also enjoy reading, especially Harry Potter, all of Dan Browns books and anything to do with history or the universe. I have two older brothers, 23 and 21, and I thank the middle one, Andrew, for inspiring me to join DECA. I work at Trump National Golf Course as well as for my Dad who owns his own carpentry business. I try to live my life to the fullest and experience as much as this life offers. “Here we go, life’s waiting to begin” is a line in the song The Adventure, by Angels and Airwaves and has inspired me greatly over the past year and kept me motivated to reach success in DECA as well as in life.
NORTHERN AREA
Jasmine Shelton
Chantilly High School
Hello there, my name is Jasmine Pilar Shelton and I’m going into my senior year at Chantilly High School in northern Virginia. I’ve lived in this same community, and the same house my entire life. I am the youngest of five girls; I am truly the baby. I have two jobs; I referee for the same youth association I once played in and I also work at the same day care center that I attended. This is my third year as a DECA member, and beyond doubt DECA has influenced me in a way no person could, to take hold of the time I have, and to embrace all opportunities available. This year will also be my third year on the Varsity Field Hockey team, I am the goalie. My favorite quote is “I am the master of my fate, and the captain of my soul” which to me, is a daily reminder that I am in charge of my decisions, no one has control over my life the same way I do, and I plan to take full responsibility for my failure and success. In many aspirations, I’d like to own my promotions company as well as be a forensic pathologist, in the mean time; I’m creating memories, loving life and going in every direction I can.
WESTERN AREA
Lesley Hatfield
Lee County Career and Technical Center
My name is Lesley Ann Hatfield, Lesley works the best. I was originally born in Lexington, Kentucky on October 19, 1992, and now reside in Pennington Gap, Virginia where I am an upcoming junior at Lee High School. My family and I moved here in the summer of 2000 and honestly, I had never heard of the place. It’s full of farms, small houses, and back roads, but I love it here. I play softball and basketball for my high school and am an active member in many clubs; including FBLA, Co-ed Hi Y, First Priority, Math Club, Science Club, Spanish Club, 4-H, pep Club, and of course, DECA. I will be serving as the Western Area Vice President on the Virginia DECA State Action Team for 2009-2010. Outside of the school, which takes up most of my time, I enjoy going to church because God happens to be a big part of my life. I have a great youth group and try to get involved as often as I can. My family is awesome as well! I have one older sister and my parents are great. I have been lucky to become so blessed with such wonderful things. I enjoy things such as music [and pretty much any kind] eating, anything! :) swimming, going outside, anywhere outdoors is interesting, and being with my friends. I am going into only my second year as a DECA member, but I already know it will be great. I am excited to travel, and also love to meet new people. I live life with no regrets, try not to take anything for granted, and enjoy making new memories!
EASTERN AREA
Courtney Lovings
Hanover High School
My name is Courtney Lovings. I was born on February 9, 1992 in Mechanicsville, VA and have lived there my entire life. Currently, I am employed at The Little Gym of Mechanicsville as a gymnastics and dance instructor. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I have been a member of DECA for the past two years, and have served on the Hanover High School DECA Officer Team as Chapter Secretary for both years. I am also involved in BETA and FBLA. I have also taken dance classes and have swam for the past 8 years. I am looking forward to serving VA DECA and ensuring that each member, “Loves their DECA Experience!” My most memorable DECA moment was when my name was called as the 2009 - 2010 Eastern Area Vice President. It was then that I realized all my hard work had paid off and that I would be able to serve VA DECA for the next year and share in all the great experience DECA has to offer. “ All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney
SECRETARY
Hadley Roberts
Cosby High School
My name is Hadley Roberts and I am currently your Virginia State Action Team secretary. I was born on May 12, 1993 in Chicago, IL. I moved around numerous times, but currently reside in Chesterfield, VA. I am a junior at Cosby High School, where I am also DECA President. Those in the marketing program at school consider me an 'expert' with DECA and always come to me for advice, but I do more than DECA. I am a member of Titania, our school's dance team, cheered for the past two years, am involved with BETA, National Spanish Honor Society, Model United Nations, and work at a local golf course. Despite my busy schedule, I still am a big sister to my 12 year old brother and always make time for my loving family and close friends. They are very important in my life. When I have a few moments to myself, I love to read and listen to my music- my new favorite is classic rock! I also love to shop with my mom and go out to eat. This year marks my third year in the marketing program and in DECA. The greatest DECA moment was being called onstage as the new state officer. I could just feel the power and excitement of our members and their love for this great club. The one quote I live my life by is, "What comes around, goes around." It makes me look for the good in people and realize that what I say or do can come back and affect me somehow in the future. I am looking forward to leading VA DECA and expanding our 14,000 members!
HISTORIAN
Britney Leaf
Clarke County High School
My name is Britney Leaf, and I was born in Frederick, Maryland. My family lived briefly in Moscow, Russia and in Washington before moving to Berryville, Virginia where I am now a senior at Clarke County High School. I am a member of my schools National Honor Society, active in my church, and I also show holsteins at the Clarke County Fair. My proudest achievement so far in DECA has been getting elected as the Virginia DECA state historian after all my hard work campaigning. My favorite quote is "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land among the stars." I look forward to serving as your state historian this year!
REPORTER
Sean Stallings
Dominion High School
My name is Sean Stallings. I was originally born in Pelotas, Brazil and have lived pretty much everywhere until finally settling down in Sterling, Virginia. I am blessed with a wonderful family in which my parents have stayed together all this time, and my brother and I always seem to agree. Currently I am a senior in high school, and enjoy a plethora of activities such as lacrosse, tae kwon do and snowboarding. Marketing embodies my high school electives and I’ve taken a marketing class all four years of high school and still love it. Any chance I get, my favorite free time activity (that hardly occurs) is lying by the pool while listening to music. Music is very important to me, and my favorite band would be a tie between Weezer and Radiohead. Leadership and service experience are things any good state officer should have, I have served as an officer for junior class council, and a chapter officer of DECA for the past two years. A quote too live by would have to be “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” by Mother Theresa.
Welcome Letter from your VA DECA President
State Officer Candidiate Statement of Responsibility