The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national nonprofit career and technical student association consisting of middle and high school students involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students compete in competitions related to technology, engineering, design, fashion design, coding, robotics, creating children’s books and much more.
Danville High School’s TSA chapter is advised by Engineering Teacher, Mr. Caleb Wetmore, and is presided over by junior Lucy Evces.
Evces has been a member of TSA for two years. This year, Evces serves as the chapter president. As president, Evces has led the club in various fundraisers, including the sale of 3D-printed figurines. Evces said the fundraiser “was very successful and got the word out about what TSA is.”
For the TSA competition, members can compete in many different events, including transportation modeling and structural design. Evces participates in the latter, in which she applies the principles of structural engineering to design and construct a structure that complies with the annual challenge.
The variety of categories in TSA allows for all participants to find something that suits their interests. Echoing this sentiment, Evces said her favorite part of TSA is “the range of events you can participate in.”
In Evces’ case, she hopes to pursue a career in civil engineering, which is why she competes in structural engineering.
When asked how TSA has improved her collaboration skills, Evces said it has helped her “a lot.” Her competition is a two-person project. If she and her partner advance to the semifinals, then you and your partner build a structure on site together with a time restraint.,“Last year that specific part of the project taught me how to be efficient in a group setting,” Evces said.
TSA offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in mechanical engineering, environmental science, or another STEM field, as president, Lucy has increased the number of members in TSA. This school year, there are about 23 members. Students who have an interest can join no matter what grade level they’re in at the beginning of the school year.
Due to weather conditions, in-person TSA regional competitions were canceled this year, but students with portfolios were able to compete online. This year, at the online regional tournament, Georgie Farmer, Charlie Kinkade and Mae Pierce (all three of whom are members of The Crow’s Nest) won first place in children’s book design. Asher Lanigan and Noah Wetmore placed third in audio podcasting, and Angel Aquino and Tristan Viveros placed third in digital video production.
Additionally, here is a link to the Danville TSA’s On Demand Video which was filmed in less than 24 hours and had to meet challenge requirements: under one minute, include sunglasses, candy bar, cell phone and be a parody. The team consisted of Angel Aquino, Tristan Viveros, and Aiden Lanigan.
