The Clay County Middle and High School TSA teams recently traveled to Washington, D.C. 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 Middle impressively won a national championship and earned top ten finalist honors in two additional events. For Clay High, five students were recognized for earning the Gold Achievement Award.

At Nationals, more than 10,000 students competed in over 70 events.  Thirty-six states were represented, and students came from as far away as Germany and American Samoa to compete.  The conference theme, Unity Through Community, 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 the Middle School, Gunner Dobbins and River Schoolcraft won first place 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) artificial intelligence and automation in the workplace, (2) cloning to generate human organs, (3) utilizing lab-grown meat as a substantiative agricultural practice, (4) banning gas-powered cars by 2035, and (5) human microchip implants for medical records. Dobbins also earned Finalist Honors in two additional events placing fourth in Career Prep and ninth in Community Service Video.

For CCHS, Jaxon Brown, Juliann Gallaher, Alivia Gilliland, Presley Shamblin, and Lillian Starcher were recognized for earning the Gold Achievement Award.  To earn the award, the students engaged in enumerated activities relating to service leadership, STEM immersion, and personal and professional development.

Moreover, CCHS students Ariel Dobbins and Juliann Gallaher wrapped up their service as WV State TSA officers for the 2025-206 school year. Numerous WV TSA members also worked tirelessly to assist the Virginia TSA delegation as a co-host of the conference. For the upcoming year, Gallaher will continue her service as WV State TSA President and Lillian Starcher will serve as Sargeant-at-Arms.

Finally, Ariel Dobbins ran as a candidate for National TSA Treasurer. She gave a speech in front of thousands of TSA members and advisors, answered an impromptu candidate question on stage, and participated in a meet and greet where she spoke with hundreds of students throughout the day regarding her proposed plans and platform. She campaigned relentlessly. While she unfortunately did not win the election, she represented CCHS and WV TSA very well. Her courage, leadership, and dedication throughout the campaign were a testament to her character and left a lasting impression on all who had the opportunity to hear her speak.

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 Washington, DC for the national conference. They include CMI2 which donated $1,000 to the organization and 3D printed figures for various projects. Additionally, many friends and family donated money, time and baked goods to support the teams’ effort.  Ms. Ramsey wishes to thank everyone including local businesses and community members who helped make the teams’ fundraisers a success by sponsoring students with the TSA logo fundraiser and purchasing baked potato 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 -Beth Gallaher, Luella Dancy, Lindsay Schoolcraft, Cassie Titus, Bobby Brown, Phil Dobbins, Barry Payton, and Randy Holcomb – and to the parents who traveled to Washington, D.C. to support the kids.  Finally, she wants to thank the Clay County School Board 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!