On Monday, January 23, Blackman High school students participated in the regional Deca competition. It was held in Nashville at the Embassy Suites. Hundreds of students from across Middle Tennessee engaged in the event.

“We’re competing against all different schools, so we really want to place at least to go to state.

We are going to Chattanooga for our state competition and Anaheim, California, for nationals, so we get to go to Disney Land. For a lot of us, that’s a lot of pressure cause we all just really wanna go to Disney Land,” said sophomore Gabby Hernandez.

DECA members prepared for months to prepare for the regional. The competition was largely role play with most participants enacting real world scenarios. The scenarios covered various economic realms that tackled skills based in hospitality, finance & accounting, human resources, and public relations.

“We are doing our events in the practice situations that our teacher gave us and we’ve just been practicing those for the competition,” stated freshman George Smith.

Practice was the mother of the Blackman DECA teams’ readiness, and hard work fathered their triumphs. Those with an eye for success in the regionals had to complete a written computerized practice test that presented possible case problems.

“They’re having to solve real world case problems in the workplace. It’s hands on problem solving that prepares them for the future,” stated DECA adviser Jeanette Noffsinger.

Not only do participants gain experience for the future by participating in the competition, but also they open doors to glowing college applications and strengthen confidence.

“I think their dedication and commitment to how they do their best in competing are their most admirable qualities, ” stated Noffsinger.

The Middle Tennessee DECA regional reaped success. Thirty-four of fifty two competitors succeeded to state. In addition, twenty-five separate students automatically advanced to state for the completion of projects.

Success is nothing new with the Blackman family, and our DECA competitors serve as another shining example of Blackman Pride. Encouragement will motivate the DECA team as their dedication, integrity, and optimism pulses them steadily to the top.