On Wednesday, Feb. 5, DECA and Eagles’ Haven worked together to offer an event for DECA club members, a therapeutic social, where members could relax, paint and socialize. This event was put in place so members could have a stress free environment if they are feeling stressed or upset in response to the anniversary of the shooting coming up on Feb. 14. 

“This can be a hard month for many MSD students with the anniversary of the shooting coming up, and we wanted to give students a non-stressful environment to decompress and socialize,” Co-Vice President of DECA Chapter Activities Anne Pretner said.

Pretner planned the event after seeing the need for DECA members to de-stress themselves from the upcoming events. Pretner got in contact with Eagles Haven, a service in Coral Springs that provides MSD students and faculty with therapeutic and calming activities, who were more than willing to bring some of their activities over to MSD for DECA students.

“We have partnered with Eagles’ Haven on a couple DECA events in the past, and they have always been so easy to work with, and have provided some amazing services,” Pretner said.

At 2:45 p.m. after school, DECA students met in the cafeteria after school to paint tiles, listen to calming music and bond with their friends. This relaxed atmosphere was meant to promote a sense of relaxation in students and bring DECA members closer to each other through a monthly bonding activity.

“Even though Feb. 14 is just a day in the calendar, we understand it’s much more than that to a lot of students, and we want them to feel as happy and comfortable as possible leading up to that day,” DECA teacher Mitchell Albert said. 

Eagles’ Haven will be providing daily services leading up to Feb. 14, including yoga classes and art activities. They are also organizing the Day of Service and Love, a day of multiple community service and relaxing events that MSD students can volunteer for on Friday, Feb. 14.

Eagles Haven is located on 5655 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends.