The Lakeland Board of Education honored students and staff connected to the district’s DECA chapter during the April business meeting, recognizing qualifiers for the 2025 Tennessee DECA State Career Development Conference and several students named state champions.

"One of the things that the Board of Education likes to do is make sure that we recognize students who have been recognized at the state level," Dr. Horrell, the district superintendent, said as he called students forward to receive certificates and photographs. Dr. Horrell described DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) as part of career and technical education where students in entrepreneurship, marketing and business develop practical skills and compete at the state level.

The board called several students by name and acknowledged that not all qualifiers could attend. The superintendent singled out a group of state champions, naming Addie Beth Johnson (not present), Aubrey Fry (present), and a pair including Kate Sheridan. The district recognized DECA sponsor Ms. Elser and school principal Corey Martin for their roles supporting the students.

Why it matters: The recognition highlights the district’s CTE programming and student achievement in statewide career‑development competition, and provides public acknowledgement of staff and student efforts.

The board took photographs and presented pins to faculty who support state‑level achievement. The recognition occurred during the superintendent’s report; no board action was required.