HOWELL — The members of the Technology Student Association (TSA) at Howell Middle School North, Howell Middle School South and Howell Memorial Middle School have been recognized for the work ethic and skills they displayed at the 2014 National TSA conference held outside of Washington, D.C.
Several students who attended the national conference were recognized for their efforts at the July 16 meeting of the Howell K-8 School District Board of Education.
During the meeting, Supervisor of Instructional Technology Claire Engle presented the adviser of the year award to Josh Langenberger, who is the adviser of the TSA program at Howell Memorial Middle School.
“It is so great to be a part of this program and to watch these students work together, build a sense of leadership and learn valuable skills,” Langenberger said.
In 2013, Howell students brought home five top 10 trophies from the national conference, according to Engle.
This year, Howell students earned 16 top 10 trophies, including first place in a Techno Talk competition by the Howell Middle School South TSA pupils. The competition involved a prepared speech and public speaking skills.
“This year, six New Jersey middle schools competed, and 32 competitions in science, technology and engineering were available for students to compete in,” Engle told the board members and public.
At the national conference, the Howell pupils competed against middle school children from around the United States in events such as website design, biotechnology and agricultural issues, go green manufacturing, water infrastructure and geospatial technology, according to Engle.
Superintendent of Schools Joesph Isola praised the students for their efforts, saying, “These students being awarded for their achievements is nothing short of remarkable, and they have made the board and I extremely proud.”
In other news at the meeting, the board accepted donations for school programs and facilities.
The board accepted a donation of furniture for Howell Middle School North. The furniture was donated by Hoffman-la Rouche.
The second donation was for the music program at Howell Middle School North. The donation comes from the Keelan-Merrick Family and is in the amount of $1,000. The board accepted a matching donation of $1,000 from Mary Keelan’s company, IFF, for a total donation of $2,000.
The board accepted a donation to the Ramtown School from the Ramtown PTO in the amount of $3,350 for Walls of Wonder. The donation will be used to paint murals in the gymnasium and cafeteria.
— Taylor M. Lier