Students Shine at 9th Annual Manatee County TSA Competition

BRADENTON – More than 700 students participated in the “Manatee County 9th Annual District TSA Competition” at Southeast High School on Saturday. MCSD is the only school district in Florida that holds a local Technology Students Association competition.

With eight elementary schools now boasting 5th grade programs in addition to the storied high school success, the program's future looks even brighter. In fact, based on the success of Saturday's event, Manatee County's position as the number one TSA district in the nation seems likely to remain intact.

"This is what it's all about," said Doug Wagner, the district's director of adult, career and technical education, who also served as a judge in the 5th grade competition. "Getting them out here early where they not only get involved, but also are exposed to all of the cool things they can do down the road if they stick with the program. Early involvement is a big key to our TSA program's success."

The Southeast High event is meant to give local students the experience of competing in meaningful competitions without having to pay for travel expenses, while also giving competitors a chance to compete at a lower level, before advancing to bigger competitions at the state and national level.

The full day event was spread throughout the high school campus and included everything from engineering to culinary.

From 5th graders competing to improvise a functional catapult, to high school students pitting slot cars and helicopters against each other, the district's commitment to STEM studies was on full display.