The Clay County Middle and High School TSA teams recently traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Technology Student Association National Competition. They earned the right to compete there based upon their success at the WV State Competition held in March.  At nationals, Clay High earned top ten finalist honors in two events and a top twenty-four semifinalist spot, and the Middle School came home with a top ten finalist honor and a semifinalist distinction.

 

At Nationals, more than 9,000 students competed in over 70 events.  Thirty-six states were represented, and students came from as far away as Korea, Germany, and American Samoa to compete.  The conference theme, Evolution of Excellence, aligned with TSA’s competitions, activities and programs that provide members with enhanced exposure to topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); opportunities for personal and leadership development; and career awareness.

 

For CCHS, Sawyer Dobbins and Dylan McCumbers placed fifth in the nation in Debating Technological Issues.  In this event, team members collaborate to prepare for a debate, both pro and con, on identified topics.  This year’s topics were: (1) autonomous vehicles are the answer to increasing traffic demands, especially in large urban areas; (2) current carbon and renewable energy policies have a negative impact on power grid reliability and consumer pricing; and (3) manufacturing companies should be exempt from restrictions on waste production due to their contributions to society.  Also, for CCHS, Keaira Asbury and Avery Broulliard placed tenth in Forensic Science.  In this event, participants take a test of basic forensic science to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists examine a mock crime scene and demonstrate their knowledge of forensic science through crime scene analysis, with the findings synthesized in a written report/analysis.  Finally, Jaxon Brown was a top twenty-four semifinalist in Data Science and Analytics and earned the Gold Achievement Award.  To earn the award, he engaged in enumerated activities relating to service leadership, STEM immersion, and personal and professional development.

 

For the Middle School, Gunner Dobbins and Cheyenne Adkins earned finalist honors, finishing eighth in the nation in Challenging Technology Issues.  In this event, participants collaborate to prepare and deliver a debate-style presentation explaining opposing views of current technology issues.  The topics for the event were (1) free internet access, (2) reality televisions, (3) setting the minimum age to own a smartphone at 16, (4) artificial intelligence, and (5) digital learning.  Also, for the Middle School, Marissa Atha, McKinley Mahan, and Layla Stewart were top twelve semifinalists in Biotechnology. For this event, participants select a contemporary biotechnology issue and demonstrate understanding of the topic through their documented research and an original display.  The theme this year was removal of pollutants from the land or production of biodegradable, disposable plastic for the storage of food.

 

Moreover, CCHS students Taylor Adkins, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Morgan Payton, Secretary, wrapped up their service as WV State TSA officers for the 2023-2024 school year.  Morgan will continue her service as State Vice President for the upcoming year.  Juliann Gallaher is the incoming State Secretary, and Ariel Dobbins has been selected to serve as the new State Sergeant-at-Arms.

 

Jessica Ramsey is the TSA Chapter Advisor for the middle school and high school.  She works tirelessly to help students prepare for their events, keeping them updated with contest rules and regulations, of which there are many, and staying after school throughout the year to supervise and advise while they work on their projects.  She is also the chief TSA fundraiser, and she coordinates everything associated with trips to Cedar Lakes, WV each March for States, and to nationals in June.  Her hard work and dedication are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.

 

Ms. Ramsey is the first person, however, to point out all the help she receives from the community.  She wants to sincerely thank the many businesses and individuals who support TSA and helped with the trip to Orlando for the national conference.  They include Clay Senior & Community Services, Inc., K&N Contracting, Inc., CMI2, Legg’s Welding, Amron, David Pierson, Pierson Lumber, Big Otter Fire Department, Town of Clay, Walgreens, Cunningham Motors, Brian Moore, Frankie Jo West, Doug and Tracy Wayne, Speaker Roger Hanshaw, Uptown Roots, Clay Dental Clinic, Sheriff Allen and Samantha King, Bowen Dental, Circuit Clerk Clarissa Hanshaw, Aaron Williams, Randy Holcomb, Mike Mullins, Clay County Schools Staff members, and multiple anonymous individuals.  Additionally, many friends and family donated money, time and baked goods to support the teams’ effort.  Ms. Ramsey wishes to thank all the individuals and businesses who helped make the teams’ fundraisers a success by purchasing baked potatoes, spaghetti dinners, and meat sticks.  Additionally, a special thank you goes to the chaperones who worked tirelessly to help keep the kids safe while at the national conference - Lindsay Schoolcraft, Beth Gallaher, Barry Payton, Bobby Brown and Phil Dobbins – and to the parents who traveled to Florida to support the kids.  Finally, she wants to thank the county and school administrators for seeing the good that is the TSA program and for supporting the students and cheering on their successes.  She is extremely appreciative of all the support the teams have received this year and every year.  We could not do it without you!

 

Congratulations to Ms. Ramsey and her TSA teams.  They represent the county well!