The Technology Student Association is a non-profit, national organization for middle and high school students across the country. It aims to engage students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It has an estimated 250,000 students nationwide. Two local TSA chapters are located at Sage Park and Windsor High, advised and supervised by Ms. Hislop and Ms. Wales, respectively.

Ms. Wales recently became the advisor of the Windsor High TSA after Mr. Soto stepped down in the previous school year. She is also the Digital Graphics Art teacher, part of the Career and Technical Education department. 

Concerning her new role, Ms. Wales said, “I chose to advise the WHS TSA this school year because I love new technology and helping students to explore new technologies. I really enjoy working with students that are self motivated and who love to explore and are not afraid of a challenge.  I really enjoy seeing students come up with new ideas on their own and they actually make their ideas come to life.” We further discussed what the TSA had planned for the remainder of the school year, to which she responded, “TSA will be taking part in state level competitions and hopefully national level competitions.” She believes that, “TSA is a wonderful outlet to explore new technologies and problem solve.  Students get to work in teams to come up with new innovations and creations, being part of the design process for many different areas in STEM!”

Three students also shared their experiences. Regarding his activities in TSA, Gage Miller answered, “This year, I plan to continue participating in these events and gain more experience, especially with teamwork because I am not very good at that. In TSA events, I am in video game design, board game design, tech bowl, and problem solving. I have been a part of the TSA for 5 years now.” Drake Small had said, “Honestly, I wasn’t going to join the TSA. It wasn’t a thought that crossed my mind until a teacher had recommended for me to join. I have been in TSA for 4 years and I have gotten a lot of things out of it . . . I also get a lot of engineering experience, so basically TSA opened up my future in engineering and now I’m looking to go to MIT for it.” Eli Fangiullo added, “I was one of the three 6th graders that was lucky enough to be selected to join when we first started it.  Ever since then I have been drawn in by the robotics [sic]. I take part in robotics and flight endurance [sic].  I find them to be very fun.”

The Windsor High TSA competes in STEM-related competitions around the state and the country. For students who are interested in learning more about the Windsor High TSA, the group meets on Wednesdays after school in Ms. Wales’ room, room F106. For general information on the Technology Student Association, students can visit the official TSA website.