The Technology Student Association (TSA) at Academic Magnet High School is an exciting opportunity for students passionate about technology and STEM fields. The chapter is co-founded and led by two students, Madison Jolly and Jacob Beuk. Madison serves as the president, while Jacob takes on the role of vice president. Other members of the leadership team include Alex Eastman as the Secretary, Keerthana Samuel as the Treasurer, and Victoria Haber as the Sergeant at Arms.
In Madison Jolly’s words, the mission of the club is “to bring STEM-based opportunities to students interested in a wide variety of topics.” One of the most notable aspects of the TSA chapter at Academic Magnet is its extensive participation in competitive events. Through the TSA, students are introduced to a total of 40 different competitions, each covering a diverse range of STEM topics. These events not only allow students to gain hands-on experience but also encourage teamwork and leadership development. Whether it’s designing a bridge, programming a robot, or giving a public speech, these competitions provide unique opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations.
If this club has started to pique your interest, you should definitely come and check out one of their meetings. These meetings typically take place on A-day Mondays in Ms. Beuk’s room. At the start of the year, meetings focus on introducing new members to the club’s leadership and providing informational slideshows that explain the TSA’s goals and upcoming events. During these early meetings, students also have the opportunity to sign up for competitions. As the year progresses, meetings transition into more independent, team-based sessions where members can work together to prepare for the various competitions.
In addition to the regular meetings, the TSA chapter raises funds to support themselves through bake sales. These events help raise money for travel expenses and other costs associated with attending state and national TSA competitions. By helping during these bake sales, Technology Student Association members are able to help their fellow members achieve great things in competition.
One key element that the leadership team emphasizes is how the Technology Student Association fosters both personal and academic growth. Madison Jolly shares that her involvement in the club has changed her outlook on not only the club’s work but also her school work. She explains, “The TSA has helped me stay disciplined and on task, helped me find my passion for leading others, and helped me grow in various useful skills ranging from engineering to art to speech and more.” For Madison, TSA has not only provided an outlet for her interests in technology but also a place for friendship.
Ultimately, the TSA chapter at Academic Magnet High School is a fantastic place for students to learn, grow, and connect with others who are equally passionate about STEM. It is a supportive environment where students can develop leadership skills, explore new interests, and build lifelong friendships. Whether you’re interested in engineering, technology, or the arts, the TSA offers something for everyone, and it’s a great way to get involved in the world of STEM.
So if you are interested in joining this amazing club, please contact Madison Jolly (jolmad6568@ccsdschools.com) or Jacob Buek (beujac9374@ccsdschools.com).