The 2007-2008 school year introduced the first DECA club to marketing students at Merrol Hyde Magnet School.  DECA is an international association of high school and college students studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service.  With chapters in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, Mexico, Germany, and Canada, DECA is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education.  

The diamond is the DECA emblem.  With its four points, it strives to develop leadership skills in the students as well as vocational understanding, social intelligence, and civic consciousness.  DECA follows the Paideia philosophy at Merrol Hyde by educating the whole child. 

Students who join MHMS DECA have the opportunity to compete at the regional, state, and national levels.  Competitive events include series tests and role plays, team events, and written individual events.  The following is a calendar of the upcoming DECA competitive events:

Regional Competition

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Murfreesboro, TN

State Competition

Thursday, March 6- Saturday, March 8, 2008

Franklin, TN

National Competition

Saturday, April 26- Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Atlanta, GA

The membership fee is $15 and allows a student to be a member at both the state and national level for one year as well as receive quarterly issues of DECA Dimensions.  All students who are interested in becoming a member should contact Amy Morgan, MHMS DECA Advisor.