LOWNDES Co. – Lowndes County Schools recently attended the 55th Annual Georgia TSA State Leadership Conference in Athens, Georgia. Here, they competed against over 2,000 members in over 70 competitive events.
Lowndes High School placed fourth overall in the state, with 16 top-ten wins. Paige Pickett kicked off our conference by singing the National Anthem during opening ceremonies. TSA State President, Trevor Terry and State Sergeant at Arms, Preston Crawford finished their term as state officers, but continuing the long Lowndes tradition of outstanding State and National Officers will be Tate Green.
After running a successful campaign at State Conference Tate will serve as the 2017-2018 State Treasurer. Lowndes High took home three first place trophies in Digital Video (Trevor Terry and Ethan Wetherington), Extemporaneous Speech (Jack Crawford) and Outstanding Student (Jack Crawford). The other 16 top ten wins consisted of our team: Trevor Terry, Jack Crawford, Preston Crawford, Ethan Wetherington, Mason Sterling, Aaron Cowger, Jeremy Craven, Reilly Lennon, Christopher Bellflowers, Liam Wetherington, Tate Green, Wesley Smith, Kassie Sirmans, Gavin McGuire, Sarah Cole, Jacob Fiveash, Kathryn Crawford, Jake Demersseman, Ebony Williams, Bryce Herb, Garrett Garland, Courtney Raymond, Juliet Barrera and Paige Pickett. The Lowndes VEX Robotics team made finals, but unfortunately were eliminated in the first round.
The three middle school chapters combined to win 36 top three trophies and 47 additional top ten finishes. The middle schools also captured three of the top six Outstanding Chapter Awards. It is quite an accomplishment to have three chapters from one county finish in the top six. No other school system in Georgia can make that claim.
Hahira Middle School walked away from the conference with the Overall Most Outstanding Middle School Chapter Award. This award is earned by the chapter receiving the most team points accumulated from placing in the top ten in each competitive event. Students from Hahira Middle comprising this State Championship Team included : Isabel Autrey, Braedon Hodges, Alana Lund, Amelia Music, Daycee Panter, Lyla Ruff, Abby Tindall, Sydney Corbett, Molly Davis, Sam Denly, Dominic Ditomasso, Lauren Folsom, Preston Hart, Jon Liu, Hank Peagler, Zayne Ridge, Ruby Ruff, Mason Steel, Connor Stokes, Cameron White, Connor Chancy, Isaiah Templin, Brayden Whidden and Maddox Whidden.
Pine Grove Middle captured the third place Most Outstanding Chapter Award by winning “8” Top 3 trophies and “22” Top 10 awards. The Pine Grove team includes: Tyler Holley, Nathan Faircloth, Emma Davis, Phillip Wilder, John Quinn, Noah White, Meghan Lederer, Antonio Delvecchio, Jacob Zeigler, Will Hamlin, Ben Khuu, Darrion Smallwood, Jayden Tabisula, Drew Faircloth and David Thompson.
Lowndes Middle had a great conference with an outstanding chapter and strong team that included: Savannah Pannell, Dalan Kirkland, Greyson Peek, Ava-Grace Flynn, Cayden Avera, Christopher Youmans, Kate Lankford, Lexie Lewis, Lauren Varnadore, Katie Garner, Daniel Peterson, Tanner Parks, Carlie Kirkland, Ty Parks, Nealy Hires, Caden Trees, McCaig Pruitt, Brynn Wacter. Advisor Christy Craven was awarded the Tommy Pitchford Inspirational Teacher Award for middle school.
Now more than ever, youth organizations like the Technology Student Association are vital for preparing students for the future. Advisors, Cammie Lund (LHS), Matt North (LHS), Greg Terry (HMS), Curt Johnson (PGM), and Christy Craven (LMS) are proud to be a part of providing STEM opportunities through GA TSA for these bright young minds.
Release from Lowndes County Schools
