LEWISTOWN — The Technology Student Association Club at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown had plenty to celebrate at this year’s Region 8 Conference, where students turned months of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving into one of the program’s strongest showings in years.

By the end of the event, the Huskies had earned multiple podium finishes and qualified 13 students for the state competition — many of them in more than one category. For a program that has been steadily building momentum, this year’s results felt like a breakthrough.

TSA competitions are not quick projects or one-day builds. Students spend months designing, writing, composing, sewing, coding, and revising. They create detailed portfolios — often 10 to 15 pages long — documenting their research, process, and decision-making. They collaborate like small design firms, learning to divide tasks, meet deadlines, and present their work professionally. Seeing so many students advance was a moment of well-earned pride for both the participants and their advisors.

Fashion Design earns first place — again

Leading the celebration was the Fashion Design team, which captured first place for the second straight year. Their win sends them to the state conference for the third year in a row, a rare streak in a category that draws polished, competitive entries from across central Pennsylvania.

Their project blended creativity, technical skill, and a confident presentation that impressed judges from the moment they entered the room. The team has become one of Mifflin County’s most consistent TSA success stories, and this year’s victory only strengthened that reputation. “They’ve really set the bar,” said Rebecca ConnerMiller, MCHS technology education teacher. “They’re consistent, they’re talented, and they support each other every step of the way. They’ve built something special.”

Music Production marches to third place

Another standout performance came from the Music Production team, made up of senior Caleb Noerr and sophomore Marquise Siennick, who earned third place with an original concert march written for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Their prompt challenged them to create a musical piece suitable for opening a Fourth of July fireworks celebration — a tall order for two students composing from scratch. The pair began writing in October, shaping melodies and harmonies that captured the patriotic spirit of the theme.

But the project didn’t stop at composition. They assembled a full ensemble of 21 musicians, including Mifflin County High School alumni, current students and staff and members of the Lewistown Community Band. The group was conducted by beloved retired band director Art Belfiore, adding a sentimental touch to an already ambitious undertaking.

After two rehearsals and a recording session, the final product was submitted with pride. When the results came in, the excitement was immediate.

“It was an incredible feeling,” Siennick said. “We put so much into this, and to see it recognized means a lot.” For a first-year TSA competitor, the accomplishment was especially meaningful.

Board Game Design rolls into the top three

The Board Game Design team also earned a third-place finish, impressing judges with a creative concept, polished artwork, and a rule system that balanced strategy with fun. Their podium placement added another highlight to a day already full of them. The event requires teams to design a fully playable game, create all components, and write a detailed portfolio explaining mechanics, testing, and revisions — a challenge the Mifflin County team embraced with enthusiasm.

A year of growth, grit and big moments

While the podium teams drew the biggest cheers, the broader story of the day was the sheer number of students who qualified for states — and the number who qualified in multiple events. For some, this year’s success was especially meaningful.

One senior, who had narrowly missed qualifying in past years, earned his first-ever trip to states — and did so in two events. “He needed this,” his advisor said. “It’s his senior year, and he’s worked so hard. Seeing his name on that list was emotional.”

TSA offers more than 60 competitions, ranging from engineering and architecture to digital arts, biotechnology, fashion, music, and public speaking. Students choose the areas that match their interests, then spend months creating a product or portfolio that demonstrates both creativity and technical skill. The process mirrors real-world project development, and this year’s group embraced that challenge with enthusiasm.

Several students competed in both team and individual events, and many advanced in more than one category. “It’s rare to see this many kids qualify in multiple events,” ConnerMiller noted. “It speaks to their drive and the culture they’ve built.”

A program on the rise

The success at regionals reflects not only student talent but also the growing strength of the TSA program itself. Advisors have worked to build a culture where students feel supported, encouraged, and challenged. Many of this year’s qualifiers are first-year members who jumped into the program with energy and curiosity, discovering new skills along the way.

The collaborative spirit was especially evident in events like Music Production, where students reached beyond their immediate teams to involve alumni, community musicians, and retired educators. “That’s what TSA is supposed to be,” ConnerMiller said. “Kids using real academic skills, collaborating like professionals and discovering what they’re capable of.”

Looking ahead to states

The state conference, held April 15 to18, will bring together top TSA students from across Pennsylvania. For Mifflin County, it’s a chance to showcase not only talent, but teamwork, resilience and the kind of small-town pride that fuels programs like this.

As the dust settles from regionals, one thing is clear: Mifflin County’s TSA is on the rise. And if the energy from this year’s competition is any indication, the Huskies are heading into states with confidence, creativity, and a whole lot of momentum.