Van Buren TSA groups capture state titles; Teams to compete at national event this summer

Congratulations to the Van Buren High School Technology Student Association (TSA)! The TSA program had two teams take home first place at the Arkansas TSA State Conference and Competition last month. 

Ysabela Guerrero and Kara Lee won first in the Fashion Design and Technology category. The duo were tasked with creating a look fit for the Oscars. Together, they created a classic black ensemble, complete with a showstopping, red carpet-worthy bow.  

The Pointer VEX Robotics team, comprised of Ruben Corona, Camille Henson, Ethan Neidecker, and Netaly Phanouvong, became Van Buren's first-ever team to claim the top spot in the VEX Robotics event. The team spent hundreds of hours designing and constructing their robot, "Dawgbot," with features a 3D-printed Pointer dog. 

The two groups were recognized at the VBSD Board of Education meeting on April 11. There the robotics team showed off "Dawgbot," demonstrating its disc throwing abilities to the group. Guerrero and Lee also displayed their award-winning dress, detailing their design choices and process. 

Because of their wins at state, both teams are eligible to represent VBSD and the state of Arkansas at the National TSA Competition this June in Louisville, Kentucky.

For more information about TSA or how to sponsor the group, contact Dr. Joe McLean at joe.mclean@vbsd.us.