Achievers

Technology Student Association (TSA) members nationwide, as well as two schools from Germany, attended the 30th Anniversary National TSA Conference in Orlando, Fla., on June 28 to July 2 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.

The TSA conference provides the venue for its members to compete in more than 60 competitive events based on principles and concepts learned through projects during the school year in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. TSA’s 30th annual conference recognized the technological future of its youth and the nation with the theme “TSA: Imagine It.”

High school and middle school technology students, guided by their chapter advisors, prepared all year to compete with their peers in technology events such as Agriculture and Biotechnology, CAD, Construction Challenge, Cyberspace Pursuit, Engineering Design, Flight Endurance, Medical Technology, Promotional Graphics, Robotics and Transportation Modeling.

Chapel Hill High School competitors took home third place in problem solving, fourth place in architectural model and seventh place in structural engineering.

Attendees also participated in the DuPont Leadership Academy, designed to develop and enhance leadership skills through customized sessions for middle and high school students and teachers, graduating seniors and chapter and state TSA officers. Other activities included Special Interest Sessions and the annual TSA business meeting whereby the 2008-2009 National TSA Officers were elected.

The first General Session, held June 29, featured a keynote speech by The Director for Technology in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, Ms. Mary J. Miller.

TSA again partnered with The American Cancer Society (ACS) for its National Service Project, and conference attendees participated in the TSA/ACS Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back commemorative event. Chapters and states were recognized for their ACS fundraising efforts throughout the year.

In addition, conference attendees enjoyed the latest in technology innovation at the one-day Education Fair. Exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services included Applied Technologies, AutoDesk, Inc., Disney Youth Education Services, Goodheart-Willcox Publ-ishers, I Support Learning, International Technology Education Association (ITEA), F1 In Schools, Inc., National Center for Technological Literacy, Pitsco, Saywire, SolidWorks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Cancer Society.

Chapel Hill High School technology students participated in the Technology Student Association National Conference last month in Orlando, Fla. From left, Colton Rudd, Tony Adams (TSA advisor), Lamond Dean (high school Principal) and Josh Roberts.
((Courtesy Photo))