Coastal Middle School

Patrick Glenn, TSA 2nd Vice-President, Attends National TSA Conference

During the summer months when most students have visions of pools, playgrounds, and sleeping in, Coastal Middle School 8th grader Patrick Glenn had other items on his agenda. Arriving in Orlando, Florida on June 28th, Patrick joined four thousand other students from around the country and students from Germany to attend the 30th Annual Technology Student Association National Conference. Following with this year’s theme “Imagine It,” the conference offered everything one could envision. Held in the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, the conference venue provided a learning experience of a lifetime.

Representing all of the middle school students in Georgia, Patrick joined the other state officers in their endeavor to teach a special session, lead the state delegation meetings, and participate in the election of the 2008-2009 national officers. In addition, Patrick also participated in the Technical Writing Competition, one of over 60 competitive events offered to middle and high school students. In all, the state delegation team enjoyed 5 days of attending general sessions with guest speakers representing the United States Army to special sessions relaying information about parliamentary procedures to how to increase chapter membership. And on the subject of numbers and membership, Georgia won the award for having the most members overall.

In addition to the many other activities, Coastal Middle School was recognized for participation and fundraising endeavors in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Coastal’s TSA raised over $900.00, earning the coveted Spirit of Service Platinum Award. This event is open to all TSA members who desire an opportunity to participate in community service, an integral part of Coastal’s International Baccalaureate Program.

The conference was a huge success, but five days in Orlando, Florida would not be complete with a little relaxation or exhilaration in a theme park. And that is just what the officers were waiting for. With a few spare hours of time on their hands, the state officers and some TSA members headed over to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as a much deserved reward for the many hours spent writing scripts and creating PowerPoint presentations for the various sessions at the conference.

Patrick now heads to Houston County, Georgia for his next training and planning session for upcoming TSA events such as the Chapter Officer Retreat for Excellence (CORE) in September and Tech Day in October.

For more information on the Technology Student Association, visit www.gatsa.org.