Surrounded by red, green, yellow inflatables and the savor of Jim ‘N Nick’s barbeque wafting through the air, students celebrate the beginning of the 2019 football season. DECA, a co-curricular marketing club, held their annual tailgate before the football game against Sprayberry. Freshmen through seniors were clad in their Hawaiian attire with a collection of colorful leis and grass skirts. While there, DECA officers were playing music and encouraging students to have fun, and the marketing teachers relaxed while watching the students hanging out. A carefree vibe flows throughout the air as students bounce in the jumpy-houses and race through the inflatable obstacle course.

Throughout the week, admin has encouraged teachers to decorate their doors for the spirit week and dress up for the Hawaiian theme. South Forsyth High aimed to promote school spirit, and DECA took this challenge head-on. During the tailgate, students were able to enjoy pre-game food from a local barbeque restaurant, Kona Ice, as well as inflatables, all free for DECA members.

One of the goals of the tailgate was to allow the upperclassmen to meet the other underclassmen, and the officers were able to meet some of the new members of the club. It allowed students of all grades to connect while having fun at the same time.

“The DECA tailgate is a lot of fun, and it makes sure that everyone has something to enjoy.” Sophomore Katelyn Dixon mentioned during the tailgate.

Students participated in racing in the obstacle inflatables and were able to cool off with snowcone when they beat their friends, and they had various designs on their cheeks after a face painter decorated their faces.

“It was also a really awesome mood maker to get us all pepped up for the football game.” junior Esther Kim commented.

The tailgate provided an opportunity for students to get to know each other, get pumped up for the game, participate in school spirit, and for students to enjoy a school-sanctioned event.