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DECA » DECA (10-12)

DECA (10-12)

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Overview

Meridian DECA is an official local chapter of DECA Inc., an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Looking to gain a competitive edge in high school and beyond? Meridian does not offer traditional business electives, so DECA provides the ultimate hands-on platform to build real-world business acumen, financial literacy, and public speaking skills. Whether you’re presenting a business plan, competing against top students across the state, or networking with industry professionals, DECA equips you with practical experience, confidence, and career-ready skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 


  • Who Can Participate: Open to high school students in grades 10 through 12 who maintain eligibility. No previous experience is required, though a strong interest in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership is encouraged. 
    • Prerequisite: Before registering, students must have attended at least one interest meeting, unless otherwise excused by an advisor due to illness or an unavoidable conflict.
  • What We Do: Members participate in leadership activities, business simulations, and competitive events at the district, state (SCDC), and international (ICDC) levels. 
  • Prove Success: Last school year (2025–2026), our chapter successfully advanced 31 members to the State Career Development Conference (SCDC) and ten members to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).
  • Meetings & Location: 
    • Interest Meetings:  August 17 (PM) and August 18 (AM). Please note that the student must attend at least one of this year’s interest meetings before registering for DECA, unless approved by the advisor due to illness or unavoidable conflict.
    • Regular meetings are held every Monday from 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM in the high school cafeteria.
  • Advisors: Mr. Medrano and Ms. Aquino ("Ms. A")
  • Cost: See below for details about DECA fees.

 

Student Commitment Expectation

Students who do not participate at the same level and frequency in their competitive extracurricular activity negatively impact the group’s performance, morale, and culture.

  • For competitive extracurricular activities such as DECA, all members are expected to attend all weekly meetings.
  • For competitive extracurricular activities, such as DECA, students who know they have a regular conflict are encouraged to choose between conflicting activities before registering.

 

Important Dates

Wednesday, August 26: DECA Annual Membership Registration opens.

Thursday, September 3: Annual Membership Registration ends at 9 PM (No late registration available)

Monday, September 14: Official Weekly Meetings Begin (Must be registered and financially eligible  to participate)

Tuesday, September 30: Fall Leadership Conference at Reunion Ranch (for the 7 members of the leadership team only)

Monday, December 7 – Tuesday, December 8:  DECA District Competition (students will attend one day or the other depending on their competition area –not both days).

Thursday, February 25 – Saturday, February 27: DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC)

Saturday, April 17 – Wednesday, April 21: DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC)

Monday, May 3: Last Official Meeting

 

Practice/Meetings

Mondays: 4:15 - 5:15

Where: High School Cafeteria 

 

Conference Schedule

The Conference Schedule for DECA remains subject to change (per DECA) until the Commitment Forms are sent out. In the meantime, the information on the Conference Schedule will help families plan for participation in DECA.

 

Eligibility

Please see Eligibility for Extracurricular Clubs and Activities. 

  • Students must be academically eligible to participate in performances and/or competitions. 
  • Students must be financially eligible to participate in practices/meetings, performances, and competitions.
  • Students must maintain their Character in Good Standing eligibility, which requires that students adhere to the Meridian Student & Parent Handbook and the DECA Terms for Participation.

Fees

There are three fees associated with participating in Meridian DECA Club:

  1. Annual Membership Registration Fee = $104.60 ($100 + 4.6% MySchoolBucks user fee)
  2. Annual Membership Participation Fee  =  $110 if paying by check (or $115.06 if paying though MySchoolBucks; please note there is 4.6% user fee for My School Bucks)
  3. Conference Participation Fees = The Fall Leadership Conference and Texas DECA District 5 Career Development Conference are included in the Annual Membership Participation Fee. The two travel conferences range from $500 -$1200.

 

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for participation fees is available to those who need it. Please see Financial Assistance.

 

Terms for Participation

Students and parents/guardians must thoroughly read and agree to the Terms for Participation prior to completing and submitting the Registration Form and paying the registration fee.


Registration

Registration is now open and ends at 9 PM on Thursday, September 3. No late registration available.

 

Registration is for all new and returning members, including DECA leadership.


Supervised After School Care with "After School 6-12"

If you are unable to consistently pick up your student immediately after their after-school activity or activities, we encourage you to register them for After School 6–12. The cost is $100 per semester. Please note that After School 6–12 ends at 5:45 p.m., and late fees begin accruing at 5:46 p.m. Learn more about registering for After School 6-12.  

Policy for Pick-up from After School Clubs


Lettering

Lettering in an extracurricular activity is reserved for the highest level of participation. Lettering requirements will be similar to the 2025-2026 Lettering Requirements and will be published before Fall Break. In the meantime, feel free to check out Letter Jackets & Lettering for more information. 


Questions:

  • About DECA,  Please email Noe Medrano, Advisor
  • About registration, Invoices or lettering: Please email Secondary Enrichment
2025 DECA Nationals