It’s been a busy week for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students of Mountlake Terrace High School and Brier Terrace Middle School, as many were on the campus of Microsoft in Redmond and then later received accolades from the Edmonds School District board.
Twelve students from MTHS and 23 from BTMS attended a one-day state Technology Student Association (TSA) leadership training seminar held at Microsoft Tuesday. The students participated in programs focused on instilling leadership skills, team-building exercises, and techniques to improve each school’s TSA chapter.
“The students did an outstanding job representing their schools and STEM education in Edmonds School District,” said BTMS STEM advisor Todd Johnston.
A total of 342 students from across Washington State participated in the seminar. TSA is the largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) student leadership organization in the state.
Later on Tuesday, the Edmonds School District board honored the five MTHS students and two advisors that attended the 2015 National TSA Conference in Dallas, Texas, last June. The five students earned their spots at the national conference by grabbing top finishes at regional and state TSA competitions earlier in the school year.
At the national conference, the MTHS students competed in STEM-related events such as Career Prep, Children’s Stories, Debating Technical Issues, Knowledge Bowl, Problem Solving and Structural Engineering. Kathleen Cram was presented with the Gold Achievement Award for leadership, community involvement and promoting STEM education. Haeley Johnston was presented with the highest award a student can receive from TSA, the Dr. Bob Hansen Distinguished Student Award, which recognizes leadership, community service and contributions to the success and growth of the Technology Student Association.
“Congratulations to each and every one of you for a job well done; the District is honored to recognize your achievements,” declared a written proclamation of the Edmond School District Board.