Students from Thomas County Middle School and Thomas County Central High School put their technological skills to the test and earned numerous medals and a special recognition in a variety of areas at a recent competition.
Sixteen students entered ten projects in the 2nd annual Southwest Georgia Technology Competition held February 3 in Bainbridge. All Thomas County students were winners at the event and brought home 8 first place medals and 2 second place medals.
“All of our students were excellent representatives of the Thomas County School System,” Erin Rehberg, Digital Learning and Media Services Coordinator for Thomas County Schools said. “The hard work of our teachers and the superior quality of our technology programs allowed our students to win many awards at this competition.”
TCMS eighth grader Melonie Smith won first place in the Non-Animated Graphic Design category for grades 6-8. Melonie created her project on her iPad using an app that showed the layers added throughout the steps of her design. Her finished product was the character in one of her favorite video games.
"Winning is easy as long as you love what you do, and take your time doing it," said Melonie.
There were many participants in the fair competing in various technology categories and age divisions. Thomas County students were entered in categories including Digital Photography, Non-Animated Graphic Design, Internet Applications (Web Page Design), Multimedia Applications, and Video Production
Students were tasked with not only creating a technology project but also presenting the project to the judges, including explaining the process and steps taken to reach the end result.
TCCHS seniors Jennifer Wilson and Hailee Wilder earned first place in “Video Production” for their documentary project, “Pavo Haunted House: A Look Behind Closed Doors.”
The catalyst for the idea is both girls’ enjoyment of horror films and haunted houses. They wanted to document how to bring to life a successful attraction. After contacting Pavo Haunted House founder Sallie Burgess, the duo received permission to proceed and collected footage. Burgess also gave the students consent to submit the documentary to the competition.
“I feel very honored and excited,” Hailee Wilder said of their project’s win. “This recognition means that I have put my talents to good use and I was able to show others what I can do.”
The duo will take the judges’ comments into consideration and make any changes necessary to improve their project for the next stage of competition, Wilson adds.
Winning projects were submitted from students in courses taught by Ashley Palmer, Emily Holton, Teresa Rieber, and Charla Floyd (TCMS); and, Randy Young, Kristy Maxwell, and Christine Patton (TCCHS).
Rehberg adds participation in competitions like the Regional Technology Fair is an important growth opportunity for students.
“Allowing students the opportunities to compete in academic competitions is so very important to their future successes,” she said. “The technology fair allows students to demonstrate their technological skills and complete an interview with judges.”
Kathie Craven, media specialist, coordinated the projects from Thomas County Middle School and worked with the students to prepare them for the competition. “Students were confident during competition, having practiced their presentations in advance. Their hard work and determination has paid off,” stated Craven.
All first place medalists will advance to the state competition to be held in Macon on March 10.
“We are very pleased to have 13 students advance to the state level,” Rehberg said.
Students are working to improve their projects/presentations in preparation for state competition.
Winners:
1st Place
-
Tristin Lawler and Abby Allensworth - Grade 9 - Internet Applications (Webpage Design)
-
Alyssa Barlow and Jared Anderson - Grade 8 - Video Production
-
Kariana Colon and Karsyn Bush - Grade 8 - Multimedia Presentation
-
Melonie Smith - Grade 8 - Nonanimated Graphic Design
-
Ethan Mainprize - Grade 6 - Internet Applications (Webpage Design)
-
Jenaya Coleman - Grade 8 - Digital Photography
-
Gavin Melnick and Caden Reagan - Grade 7 - Robotics
-
Jennifer Wilson and Hailee Wilder - Grade 12 - Video Production
2nd Place
