The Dynamic Defenders of DECA recently completed the most successful season in its seven-year history. Led by a standout senior class of Jailyn Jackson, Betty Joseph, Micah Davis, Fatim Kamara and A.J. Brown, the team performed extremely well in regional competition at the Atlanta Municipal Court to advance to districts for only the second time in school history.

At districts, DECA won its first-round matchup to earn the right to face four-time state champion Grady, which defeated DECA in a hard-fought battle on Feb. 19. Despite setting a school record for points in a round, DECA fell short in its attempt to qualify for state competition. A stellar group of individuals won recognition at regionals or districts, including Jackson, Kamara, junior Nina Grant, senior Micah Davis and junior Camille Grier.

The team was coached by Professor Jason Butler and supported by a host of volunteers including attorneys Kimberly Bourroughs, Kosha Tucker, Corey Thompson, Carmen Butler, Terrell Thomas and Yemane Clarke (mother of DECA freshman Shakirah Clarke), as well as attorney Jennifer Milton (DECA Class of 2010), aspiring law students Amira Daugherty (DECA Class of 2016) and Demia Tucker (DECA Class of 2013), and former DECA Mock Trial team president Fred Davis (DECA Class of 2013.)