The South Gwinnett Connect
Sponsored by DECA in support of Read Across South
DECA General Meeting on Tuesday, March 17th in Chorus Room before school.
Report to Chorus Room immediately after getting off the school bus.
March is Music Month
by Troi Benbow
Spring is just a wonderful time of year. Flowers begin to blossom, the sun is out longer, but most importantly musicians begin to release their new music so we can prepare our summer playlist. Some of us are so excited about what Kendrick Lamar and Wale have in store for us, that I bet you may not know we walk the halls with musicians every day. Our chorus, orchestra, and band always put on a good show, but besides them, there are artist you may not even know that are working toward their dream. Those students had a chance to ask professional DJ and now sneaker designer and author, DJ Mars, questions on what they have to look forward to once they make it in the industry. Mars gave an out of this world interview and some of the questions are listed below.
1. SG Connect: When did you know you made it?
DJ Mars: When I had constant work.
2. SG Connect: How did you learn how to DJ?
DJ Mars: Watching other people DJ.
3. SG Connect: What was your “plan B”?
DJ Mars: Communications. I was inspired by Arsenio Hall and Spike Lee.
4. SG Connect: The industry isn’t for everybody. What are some qualities that would let you know you’re not fit?
DJ Mars: You MUST have tough skin, a great work ethic, and be able to create and take chances.
5. SG Connect: Is it as fast pace and exciting as it seems?
DJ Mars: It’s not as fun as it seems. The lights, camera, and action is a small part of a musicians life.
*Comets, the South Gwinnett Connect wants to know what type of music you listen to. Mention this article and your favorite song for a drawing to win a gift from the school store.
What I Know For Sure
Students interviewed by Sha'Kayla Johnson
-Destinee LLoyd (HHS Academy)
It's for everybody. There's not just one type of music.
-Zharia Conely (MAC Academy)
Music is from the soul.
-Julian Palmer (MAC Academy)
Music is poetry.
-Jazmine Wilson (MAC Academy)
It is popular and is heard by millions of people.
Caleb Releford(HHS Academy)
It has many styles.
-Monica Keo (HHS Academy)
To make music, you have to be dedicated and passionate.
-Diamonique Horne (BAE Academy)
2015 Georgia DECA State CDC Review
by Ian Dean
Going in to my first state competition I was not at all optimistic about how I would experience the event. After I had been disqualified from my roleplay for lack of a partner, the only thing I was thinking about on the bus ride to the hotel was, “I have got to do well in my academy.” I was beginning to accept a failure that had yet to come. I felt under-dressed, I didn't know anyone except for maybe two or three people, and even though I wasn't competing, I wanted to be a no-show.
Stepping of the bus into the intense Atlanta cold and entering the hotel building was nerve-racking because I felt as though I would be walking directly into a sea of judgment that all of the DECA members from across the state would be creating. To my surprise there was not a single student in the lobby with organization when I entered. When we checked in to the hotel I began to socialize with some of the other guys that I was bunking with for the conference. They were decent people and I thought my experience, with the beauty of the hotel and openness of the people, was off to good start.
However, my first real experience as member was not to come until our DECA chapter traveled to the opening ceremony on the floor under the main lobby. I was not scared anymore but I hadn't had any of the fun I was promised by members of my chapter. After the ceremony, which was an entertaining introduction to the conference, I had softened myself to the idea of the conference and how I should perceive it. The Emerging Leaders Academy lead me to meet some interesting people that inspired me with words of encouragement and helped me to map out my future. Other than a few people, no one was rude and every person that I met was respectful of me and my time as a DECA member.
While sitting through the closing ceremony I was dismayed to find out that I had not done well enough in my academy test to win a position at ICDC, but I felt as if my time spent at state CDC was justified; partly because my friend Bobbi won the position of state officer. As horrible as I thought the conference would be, I was pleasantly surprised that there a enjoyable side of being a DECA member that I had not seen before. There was point in during the event where I felt that I belonged to an organization that made me feel welcome; a point where I could say, “I am DECA.”