Sentinel photo by BROOKE CROUSE
Directors and TSA advisor Rebecca ConnerMiller look on as TSA member Emily Banks explains the garment she collaborated with Oak Yeater and Anna Krohn to create.

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County School District Board of Directors recognized students in the Technology Student Association (TSA) program, as well as the program adviser, for their achievements on Thursday.

TSA Advisor Rebecca ConnerMiller expressed her gratitude for the honor of being the 2026 Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year. The award is one of Pennsylvania’s highest honors in educational technology.

ConnerMiller said, “Being able to promote tech ed in such a positive light was the most amazing thing, just for me to be able to step into that space.”

ConnerMiller then introduced Mifflin County High School TSA fashion design team Emily Banks, Anna Krohn and Oak Yeater. She stated that the TSA fashion design team will transfer to the TSA National Conference for the third year in a row.

Banks introduced the national conference’s theme, “Villain Era,” explaining that the team came up with a character named the “Duchess of Diamonds.”

Banks stated that she took on the sewing of the garment, while Yeater worked on 3-D/resin printing chainmail and “diamonds” for the shoulders of the garment. Krohn will then model the garment at the national conference.

A great deal of hard work goes into the fashion design team’s collaboration beyond what was showcased during Thursday’s meeting.

“Emily actually approached me and asked me to be the model, and it means a lot to me, especially because I’m a dancer,” Krohn said. She added that she has danced for 14 years and appreciated a moment to step out of her comfort zone.

Banks and Yeater added that they are in their third year of participating in the TSA program and making it to the national conference.

ConnerMiller said, “They don’t give themselves enough credit. What you guys also don’t see behind the scenes is that this club starts in September; we meet every single week. We have workshops. They prepare for all these competitions.”

Directors congratulated the team, and the team handed out pins and stickers that Yeater designed for the TSA chapter. The design featured a goose wearing TSA attire and safety glasses, with the national TSA slogan for 2026, “unity through community.”

The national competition will be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center in Washington, D.C. and National Harbor, Md., from June 22 through 26.

Due to deadline restrictions, further information on the 2026-27 district budget and other business from the board’s regular voting meeting will be available in a future edition of The Sentinel.