Four Washington Township High School students scored in the top 10 at the Technology Student Association’s (TSA) national conference from June 22 to 26 in Washington, D.C.
The students are Aaron Negin, Zachary Negin, Chase Quan and Jacob Shachar. Together they placed sixth in the TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) presentation challenge against STEM students from middle and high schools across the nation.
“The TEAMS competition challenges participants to apply their knowledge of engineering, mathematics and science to solve complex, real-world problems through rigorous testing and collaborative problem-solving,” the school said in a statement.
Before they could qualify for the national contest, the four students had to first advance through state-level competition. They placed 20th in the essay challenge, 12th in the multiple-choice exam, 10th in the design/build challenge, 20th in the mathematical modeling contest and 54th in the overall contest. Their performances meant they could then advance to the national contest.
“Qualifying to compete at the TSA National Conference is an impressive accomplishment in itself, requiring students to advance through state-level competition,” the school explained. “Earning a place among the nation’s Top 10 teams demonstrates not only exceptional academic ability, but also teamwork, critical thinking and a commitment to excellence in STEM education.”
The whole point of both TEAMS and the TSA is to prepare students for a career in the STEM field. TSA was first established in 1958, according to its website, when they were known as the American Industrial Arts Student Association (AIASA). From 1978 to 1988, the organization grew in size, strength and structure.
It also began to have a bigger impact on students and secondary-school programs. In 1988, AIASA was renamed TSA.
“The Technology Student Association is a national Career and Technical Student Organization that prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through leadership development and competitive events,” the high school explained.
“The annual national conference brings together thousands of the country’s top middle- and high-school students to compete in STEM-focused challenges. Washington Township High School celebrates these outstanding students for representing their school and community with distinction, and congratulates them on an exceptional national achievement.”
From left to right: WTHS Students Zachary Negin, Chase Quan, Jacob Shachar and Aaron Negin all competed and had strong performances at the TSA contest in late June.
