Advanced office applications, business communications and work-based learning are just some of the courses. Business management teacher Laurinda Lamb leads here at Arlington High School. One way students take what they learn in the classroom even further is through DECA, a business club for those interested in entrepreneurship, finance and marketing.

“We work with students who are looking at a career in entrepreneurship, management, finance, marketing, all of those different business things,” Ms. Lamb said.

DECA is not just a business club, it is an outlet for students to learn and grow, accumulating skills that will last a lifetime.

“When I joined my sophomore year, I was definitely really introverted,” Ashlynn Harrahill said. “I didn’t really know how to talk out loud and so with me doing the role play competitions, when I have ten minutes to study the scenario they give me and then go to a judge and try to make like a comprehensible solution to a problem. It’s really taught me how to think on my feet, and how to present myself in a way that will make me a winner.”

In competitions, students role play real world business scenarios. It’s an experience that not only builds knowledge, but also confidence.

“I believe you get a sense of peer interaction and networking with students your age, through across Tennessee or across the United States, depending on which conference you attend,” Ms. Lamb said.

These events help students sharpen their communication, business, and leadership skills while connecting with peers from across Tennessee and the United States.

“I love seeing the new students come in every year, wanting to do competitions,” Harrahill said. “I mean, my sophomore year, I was the only person who won. I was a national qualifier. “I wasn’t able to go “to nationals because of that, but my junior year we had more people qualify and so we actually did have people be able to go to nationals. So, this year, I hope we have even more people win and actually have a really decent group going to nationals.”

DECA gives students a chance to serve the community, earn service hours, and take part in competitions and conferences.

DECA looks forward to their global entrepreneurship week that runs from November 17th to November 21st, for more info you can speak to Mrs. Lamb or the Tennessee DECA website.