During a recent government meeting, Graciela Villanueva, the director, recognized a group of middle school students from Franklin Middle School for their outstanding achievements at the Technology Student Association (TSA) Nationals competition held in Orlando, Florida, from June 26 to June 30. The event attracted approximately 9,000 attendees, including students and advisors from 40 states and four countries, showcasing a diverse range of talent.
The students honored included Lewis Nelson, Tegan Fairbairn, Caitlin Cervantes, and Peter Nelson, who collectively earned a commendable 7th place in TSA leadership strategies. Additionally, Fairbairn and Nelson achieved 1st place in Structural Engineering with a perfect score, marking a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive environment.
Advisor Jeff McFadden expressed pride in the students' resilience, recalling challenges faced in previous years, including a difficult experience where students were stranded at an airport for 32 hours. Despite these obstacles, the team has consistently brought home awards, demonstrating their dedication and skill.
The meeting also recognized late graduates from Davis High School who completed their diplomas over the summer. Director Rice honored these students, emphasizing their perseverance in overcoming various life challenges to achieve their educational goals. The graduates included Julius Aguilar Munguilla, Emily Corona, Ezekiel Delgado Gonzalez, and several others, all of whom received applause for their accomplishments.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for TSA students and their families to take photographs together, celebrating the achievements of both the middle school competitors and the high school graduates.