This summer, students who participated in the Technology Student Association (TSA) club at Lightridge High School with their teacher, Ms. Khodayar, traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to compete at the TSA national conference. Similar to the middle school conference, the high school conference offers more than 40 competitions that challenge students to design, problem-solve and innovate across a range of STEM topics.
Students Rebecca Lee, Daniel Critelli, Dylan Ammann, Chase Thoden, Caleb Dunn, Santhosh Sekar, Moe Htet Win, Nikhil Doma and Joseph Nazari represented Lightridge in events like Architectural Design, Drone Challenge (UAV), Dragster Design, Technology Bowl and On-Demand Video.
Chase Thoden and Caleb Dunn earned first place in the Technology Problem Solving event, a competition that challenges students to apply critical thinking, collaboration and creativity to real-world scenarios. Caleb and Chase competed against 247 other high schools.
TSA is a national nonprofit career and technical student organization (CTSO) for middle and high school students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). By participating in TSA, students gain hands-on experience in STEM fields, develop leadership skills and explore career pathways that extend far beyond high school. Events like the national conference expose students to innovative technologies, industry professionals and peers from across the country, expanding their understanding of what is possible after graduation.
Lightridge’s participation also reflects Loudoun County Public Schools’ Instructional Framework, which emphasizes designing for deeper learning, engaging students through authentic experiences and assessing growth to prepare students for college, career and life. Through TSA, students build the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills outlined in the LCPS framework while discovering how STEM can shape their futures.
Thank you to the educators, families and community partners who support our TSA programs across LCPS and help make these opportunities possible for students.