It was a first for a middle school in Fayette when Bennett’s Mill Middle formed a Technology Student Association (TSA) at the beginning of the school year.

TSA is an international student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Approximately 35 members have invested almost three hours a week after school this year to practice and prepare for competitions and hone their technology skills. Throughout the year they competed in areas involving Vex Robotics, First Lego League, video game design, animation, crime scene investigation, and graphic design. The FIRST Lego team made it to Super Regionals, and the animation and video game design teams were finalists at the state level.

In addition to competitions, members furthered their study of technology by attending leadership and skill seminars.

TSA members will finish the school year with a showcase where they will demonstrate their skills to their peers, parents and school faculty.

The advisor is teacher Susan Hall (back row, right).