Rea places in technology competition
Discussing the positive and negative effects of digital communication in schools landed Neshoba Central rising junior Spencer Rea second place in a state competition.
Rea won in the “Essays on Technology” category of the state Technology Student Association (TSA) competition and competed nationally with another essay in the same category this summer.
For his state competition essay, Rea discussed the positive and negative effects of digital communication in schools.
“I argued that many schools across the country have switched to digital means of communication due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rea said. “Schools have utilized programs such as Zoom and Google Meets for online classes, and it allows students to work and collaborate in a way that is not possible without technology.”
He then discussed the negative effects, such as the expenses of digital technology and required Internet connection, something not everyone has.
Sedera Anderson, TSA Teacher of the Year and engineering and robotics instructor at Neshoba Central, said Rea is a student with many diverse talents.
“Spencer requires minimum instruction and just takes tasks and runs with them,” Anderson said. “I am completely overwhelmed with the diversity in his capabilities. His essays were written quickly, yet completely on topic. His communication skills are extraordinary.”
For his national essay submission, Rea discussed air safety and the importance of federal aviation administration guidelines.
“This essay focused on guidelines such as wearing a seatbelt during the takeoff and landing of planes, having a fire extinguisher on board at all times, where emergency exits are located, and the necessity of pilot communication,” he said.
He also covered the recent regulations requiring CDC-approved facial coverings while on a plane and that masks are necessary on planes due to the seats being tightly spaced with passengers sitting close together.
“I enjoy writing, especially writing essays,” Rea said. “When Mrs. Anderson asked me which category I wanted to participate in, I felt the essay would be right up my alley and work best for me.”
Rea said this was his first national competition other than a short story competition in sixth grade.
“The state TSA competition is where I first was interested in competing with my writing,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed writing essays and short stories for classes while growing up, but I was never interested in competing until TSA came along.”
He said he wants to become a lawyer and use his writing skills.
The Technology Student Association is a national organization of students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
To learn more about the Technology Student Association, visit www.tsaweb.org.