GAHS rising sophomores earn national recognition at TSA conference

Three rising Gettysburg Area High School (GAHS) sophomores represented the district at the National Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference in June, with two earning top national finishes.

Noah Puckett and Ryan Rudisill earned sixth place in Robotics as well as eighth place in Manufacturing Prototype at the National TSA Conference held June 22-26 in Washington, D.C. 

Henry Russell also competed at the national conference, pairing with Puckett in Forensics, and all three worked together in the Technology Bowl, a team competition that begins with a STEM knowledge test and advances to a seeded buzzer-style tournament. Puckett also qualified to participate in Prepared Presentation.

“As freshmen competing for the first time in the high school category at the national level, we did not know what to expect and only hoped to be there to learn as much as we can,” Puckett said. “Being placed in the top 10, however, is very encouraging and humbling for us.”

With approximately 60 teams competing in Robotics, Puckett said 18 teams made it to the semifinal with the interview determining the top 10 finalists for the event.

Seeing many teams with “fantastic model designs,” Puckett said they were “surprised” to earn sixth place for the final ranking.

“We saw the gap we have from the best teams. Now we felt even more motivated to continue working on our model, trying new ideas and aiming for improvement,” added Puckett.

Rudisill said this was his first year in TSA and got involved thanks to his supportive friends. He looked forward to competing alongside Puckett on the national stage.

“At the conference, from getting to know exactly what rules are at nationals to seeing the projects from a high level of competitors, basically everything was a learning experience for us as freshmen,” Puckett said. “Many robotic teams have had years of competition experience not only from TSA, but also from other robotic-focused competition. Talking to them has given us a lot of ideas to explore in the future.”

In the Manufacturing Prototype event, Rudisill and Puckett initially placed in the top 12 through the final product and documentation stage before earning eighth place after their presentation and sales pitch.

“Just like in Robotics, it was eye-opening for us to see other competitors’ products,” Puckett said.

The best part of the experience was representing GAHS at the national level, according to Puckett. He also enjoyed connecting with competitors since students attended from different parts of the country.

Russell said he was thrilled to “meet ambitious youth and discover innovative opportunities” at the national conference.

"TSA has taught me about the role of leadership in today's technological world," Russell said.

GAHS Principal Jeremy Lusk emphasized the significance of all three students reaching the national stage.

“Qualifying for the National TSA Conference is an accomplishment in itself, and Noah, Ryan, and Henry represented Gettysburg Area High School with dedication, creativity, and professionalism throughout the competition,” Lusk said. “We’re incredibly proud of all three students for embracing challenging opportunities, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom, and demonstrating the innovation and perseverance that prepare them for future success.”