During April 15 through 18, sophomore Garrett deMars participated in the state Technology Student Association (TSA) competition at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. DeMars placed first in 2D Art Cultural CAD for the second year in a row.

Each year, TSA holds 68 competitive events that are aligned with STEM at the regional, state, and national level for students in high school and middle school. Students in technology education classes are eligible to compete. Biotechnology, prepared presentation, video game design, engineering design and computer aided 2D and 3D design are a few examples of events students can enter.

There has been a local chapter of TSA at Southern Lehigh High school for 16 years. In that time, the Spartans have produced twelve state champions and five top five placements in the nation.

“We would like to thank superintendent, Dr. Leah Christman for her continued support,” technology education teacher Mr. Richard Colelli said.

When participants first arrive at the competition, they receive a packet with the assignment and a list of requirements that must be fulfilled. Students are given three hours to complete their project.

DeMars was able to repeat his win from last year by using a computer to create a recreational park featuring a skatepark.

“It felt awesome to win states again, especially since I was competing against 46 people,” DeMars said.

The top two state qualifiers move onto nationals which will be held in Austin, Texas, in June.