The Center for Advanced Technical Studies clinches first national championship

For Immediate Release – July 11, 2016

The Center for Advanced Technical Studies clinches first national championship

IRMO – The Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) has won its first ever national championship. The Digital Video Production team made up of Lolly Adair, Kinzie Correll, Gabe Marchant, Alli Sorenson and Jordan Sorenson took home first place at the 2016 Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee. That same team also placed second in On Demand Video.

When asked what it meant to win the Digital Video Production championship, Lolly Adair said, “It shows not only what a strong team we are, but personally it makes me feel confident that filmmaking is a viable career path for me.” Team member Gabe Marchant added, “It takes a special group of people to come together and make a production that is truly worth something and winning this competition just makes all of the hard work pay off.”

The Center was also represented by three more students across two other competitions. AJ Amick and Zack Lindler competed in TSA VEX Robotics while Jack Tenbrunsel participated in the individual competition for Flight Endurance.

“I’m immensely proud of this group,” Media Technology and Film Production Instructor Ash Langley said. “These awards are great recognitions of their talent, hard work and determination. I feel lucky that I get to teach such great students. I’m so happy for our team and what this championship means to our school and our district.”

Chapters from all across the United States were represented at the event as the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center hosted over 7,000 students, advisors and educational leaders over the course of five days. With over 65 technology-based competitions, students were afforded the opportunity not only to compete on a national level, but they also benefitted from networking with other competitors from across the country as well as their advisors and technology industry leaders.

“It makes me so proud to see our teams be recognized on the biggest and brightest stage,” Director of The Center, Dr. Bob Couch said. “To win a national championship shows the commitment, drive and passion these students have. We know that these skills will help prepare them for their future careers. Congratulations to all of our students and thanks to Dr. Hefner and the School Board for their continued support and encouragement.”