The South Fayette High School chapter of the Technology Student Association (TSA) attended the PA TSA State Leadership Conference held at Seven Springs from April 19-22. This year’s group was the largest ever from the school, and among the largest in the state, to attend the conference with 84 of 127 members qualifying and participating at the conference.
The Lions performed admirably. Sophomore Nandana Manoj Menon led the way with two state champion awards for Photographic Technology and Promotional Design where her keen eye for composition and detail distinguished her work from the competition. Sophomores Shreya Duraisamy and Snigdha Ramavathu composed an inspiring song, fittingly titled “Victory,” to earn the state champion award for Music Production. Seniors Ria Chada, Triyasree Katta, and Shreya Rathi wrote a story for children in first through third grades that promotes a career as a STEM teacher. Their work was beautifully illustrated by senior Zoe McCoy’s digital art. Collectively, the four senior Lady Lions won the state champion award for Children’s Stories.
Finishing on the podium with awards for third place were the group of sophomores, Prerna Chakkingal, Nandana Manoj Menon, and Gourisree Prasanth and freshmen Pranita Chakkingal and Rashmita Chekka for Audio Podcasting and seniors Viraj and Vishram Urs for Coding.
Most chapter members were acknowledged as state finalists indicating that they finished in the top ten across Pennsylvania in their event. South Fayette had state finalists in Data Science & Analytics, Digital Video Production, Engineering Design, Essays on Technology, Extemporaneous Presentation, Fashion Design & Technology, Flight Endurance, Future Technology & Engineering Teacher, Geospatial Technology Manufacturing Prototype, Senior Solar Sprint, System Control Technology, Technology Bowl, Technology Problem Solving, Virtual Reality Visualization, and Webmaster with many of these groups and individuals earning near podium finishes in fourth and fifth place.
While the students were not competing for honors in their events, they were able to attend a variety of special interest sessions, including several networking opportunities with professionals, university professors, and TSA alumni from across the state; information sessions regarding college and career readiness; Penn State’s Breazeale Nuclear Reactor; and a day in the life of a software developer, as well as a number of other team-building and mini-competitive events.
TSA members learn to lead in a technical world by applying and integrating personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM through intracurricular activities, competitions, and related programs. The SF TSA chapter is advised by the high school’s PBL/STEAM Coordinator Mr. James Hausman III. South Fayette high school students interested in joining the SF TSA family should see or contact Mr. Hausman for more information.