Howell technology pupils attend national conference

HOWELL - From June 24-28, middle school Technology Student Association (TSA) members Brent Bovenzi, Channing Huang, Shaila Huq, John Kelly, Craig Hatch, Bryan Howard, Brian Blood, Tyler Ornstein, Robert Rubiano and Andrew Runyon attended the 29th annual National TSA Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The competition hosted nearly 5,000 technology education students from more than 30 states and two countries.

The students competed in a variety of challenges based on principles and concepts involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Each of the 10 TSA members had placed in competitive events at the New Jersey State TSA competition, which secured them a place at the national conference.

Howell Memorial Middle School student Channing Huang finished third in computer applications and eighth in the Technology Bowl - written.

Huang's first task for the computer applications event was to complete a written exam that covered computer literacy, computer hardware and software applications. He became a finalist after test scores were compared to other participating students.

The top 10 finalists then had to demonstrate the use of software applications by completing a hands-on spontaneous project. The challenge included writing a corporate sponsorship letter, designing the letter's banner using the TSA logo, and setting up a database of recipients in order to complete a mail merge.

"We were only given two hours to finish the Computer Applications challenge," Huang said. "There was a lot of pressure, but my computer and technology education classes, and being involved in TSA, prepared me to complete the task on time."

Huang will enter High Technology High School, Lincroft, as a ninth-grader in September and plans to continue his involvement with the TSA. Regarding a career, Huang hopes to pursue a career in engineering.

Howell Middle School South students Brian Blood and Robert Rubiano could not dream of a better way to conclude their middle school career than to place seventh in the nation for the problem-solving competition. Blood and Rubiano worked as a team to develop a solution to a problem that was given on site.

The problem-solving event required the students to design a tower that held a metal nut using limited materials.

"We were only given six index cards, six paper clips, a straw and 24 inches of string," Rubiano said. "Brian and I were able to design a structure that held the nut and measured 20 inches tall."

Rubiano, entering the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, Sandy Hook, this fall, was excited to hear that the problem-solving event was one of the most popular challenges in the competition.

"It is a big accomplishment to place seventh in the nation, since there were approximately 70 teams that we competed against," said Rubiano.

Brian Blood is entering Howell High School as a freshman in September and is looking forward to continuing his involvement in the TSA.

"I first became interested in TSA when I attended a national conference that my brother was participating in, and I was able to compete in an event that sparked my interest," Blood said. "I enjoy the competitions because they really challenge you to think. Our adviser, Mr. (Thomas) Semko, was the one that encouraged us to take on a new challenge and sign up for problem-solving. It opened our eyes to an event that we may have not competed in."

Blood plans to run for a New Jersey TSA state officer position.

"I will most likely campaign for sergeant-at-arms since that is where I have the most experience and it is the leadership position I enjoy the most," he said.

"This was an impressive performance by 10 outstanding and mature students," said Claire A. Williams, supervisor of technology for the Howell K-8 School District. "Preparation for the national competition takes a lot of time and dedication, and that is exactly what our middle school advisers, Josh Langenberger, Jennifer Eaton and Tom Semko, did to get the students ready to compete and represent their school at the national level. The students' accomplishments and the success of the TSA program would not have been possible without the support of the Board of Education and our dedicated TSA advisers."

The TSA is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of technology education students. Open to students who are enrolled in, or who have completed technology education courses, TSA is comprised of more than 150,000 elementary school, middle school and high school students spanning 47 states and two countries. TSA's goal is to promote technological literacy and leadership.