Shorecrest and Cascade K-8 TSA teams advance to Nationals

2017 Shorecrest TSA Team at the State Competition in Yakima

Shorecrest High School and Cascade K-8 Community School advance to the National Technology Student Association (TSA) Competition in Orlando, Florida. Both schools won awards at the Washington State TSA Competition in Yakima in mid-March and earned the invitation to compete nationally.

“We are scheduling fundraising events over the next month and a half as we race the clock to send our teams to nationals,” said Shorecrest TSA Fundraising Chair Theresa Greco. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to compete for a national title – representing Lake Forest Park and Shoreline.”  

Shorecrest High School won first in Animatronics and second place in Recycled Fashion Design Technology. Cascade K-8 Community School earned second place with the Community Service Video, and third place in Forensic Technology and Tech Bowl, a STEM based trivia contest.

Both Shorecrest High School and Cascade K-8 Community School TSA chapters are entering their third years.

“The students and their families are working hard to make this dream a reality. We are proud of their drive to learn and reaching Nationals so soon,” said Shorecrest TSA advisor Emily Slack.

TSA represents 2,000 schools preparing students for careers in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Member schools integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular CTE/STEM activities, competitive events and related programs.

“I am so proud of our kids and the fun they are having in science and technology. They are demonstrating that the sky’s the limit in technology with their creations,” said Chrisy Francescutti, Cascade K-8 Community School Principal.

The Shorecrest team must raise $9,000 and Cascade K-8 Community School an additional $5,000 in five weeks in order to compete in the national competition.

The students are rapidly working to get the word out of their need to travel to nationals.

“Raising the $9,000 dollars for Shorecrest and $5,000 for Cascade K-8 Community School to pay for travel and rooms to the national competition is a heavy lift. These kids are determined to reach Orlando and represent.” stated Shorecrest TSA advisor Kari Potter.

In 2016, Shorecrest students brought home one award, and won 9 awards this year. Last year, Cascade K-8 Community School sent two projects to nationals. There are so many programs that seek to recruit girls and people of color to STEM. TSA never says they are trying to do that, and yet they do it so well,” said Cascade K-8 Community School Advisor, Becca Drury.

 “One of the things that impresses me about TSA is that there is so much diversity in both the membership and leadership.”

Donations are directed to Shorecrest High School, ATTN: ASB TSA Account, 15343 25th Avenue NE, Shoreline, WA 98155. Funds will be pooled between both schools for travel and expenses.