The Clay County Middle and High School TSA teams recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee 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 a third-place trophy, top ten finalist honors in three events, a top twelve semifinalist spot, and a top twenty-four semifinalist spot. The Middle School came home also with a third-place trophy and a top ten finalist honor.
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, Tune In To Technology, 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, Keira Asbury and Avery Brouillard placed third in the nation 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. Also, for CCHS, Jaxon Brown placed fourth in Music Production; Ariel Dobbins and Lillian Starcher placed sixth in Children’s Stories; and Ariel Dobbins and Sawyer Dobbins placed tenth in STEM Mass Media. Additionally, Parker Taylor was a top twelve semifinalist in Extemporaneous Speaking. Finally, Jaxon Brown, Alivia Gilliland and Morgan Payton were top twenty-four semifinalists in Geospatial Technology. Asbury, Brouillard, Brown, Gilliland, and Starcher were also 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.
For the Middle School, Gunner Dobbins and Hannah Gandee earned a third-place trophy 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) genetic testing and counseling, (2) animal testing for scientific research, (3) the use of drones for surveillance, (4) privatization of space travel, and (5) nanotechnology in consumer goods. Also, for the Middle School, Marissa Atha and Roxy Schoolcraft placed tenth in Technical Design.
Moreover, CCHS students Morgan Payton, Juliann Gallaher, and Ariel Dobbins wrapped up their service as WV State TSA officers for the 2024-2025 school year. For the upcoming year, Dobbins will continue her service as WV State TSA President State and Gallaher will serve as Sargeant-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 Nashville for the national conference. They include CMI2 which purchased supplies and a new printer for the organization, Clay County Clerk’s Office, Clay 911 Center, Legg’s Welding, Primary Care, and Advantage Health, 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 everyone 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, Bobby Brown, Phil Dobbins, and Barry Payton – and to the parents who traveled to Tennessee 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!