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MCHS Fashion Design team finishes seventh nationally | News, Sports, Jobs
Photo courtesy of MIFFLIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mifflin County High School Technology Student Association (TSA) Fashion Design and Technology team has qualified for consecutive national competitions. Team members Reina Cirota (from left), Ben Snyder and Oak Yeater are pictured this year in Nashville, Tenn.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Four talented fashion students from the Mifflin County High School Technology Student Association (TSA) Fashion Design and Technology team made the most of their trip to the National TSA Conference in Nashville, Tenn., earning a coveted spot on the big stage.
On Tuesday, students Reina Cirota, Ben Snyder and Oak Yeater found themselves landing a spot in the Top 10 on the final day of the national competition. The Mifflin County students finished seventh overall.
“Top 10 is huge!” explained Rebecca Conner-Miller, a technology education teacher for the Mifflin County School District. “There are typically around 100 or more entries.”
The fourth member of the team — Emily Banks — couldn’t make the trip due to being accepted into the prestigious governor’s school program. Banks attended last year’s competition when Mifflin County finished second, as did Cirota and Yeater.
“Each year is a totally different event because the theme changes,” Conner-Miller added. “Due to this, the odds are even more challenging to overcome and truly require dedication, workmanship and a strong base of knowledge and application. This team proved they possess all these attributes by overcoming the odds and earning a seventh-place result at nationals!”
Conner-Miller said the national competition operates similarly to one for states, all teams initially drop off their garments and research portfolios to the judges room. The judges then review the competition pieces and score them on a technical rubric.
Mifflin County is the two-time reigning state champion.
From this scoring, the top 12 teams are determined and invited back for face-to-face interviews. To wrap up the event, the top 10 are called on stage at the awards ceremony where the top three earn their individual recognition.
The four students had been working on their garment since the start of the school year. The criteria they had was to create a prototype of a marching band uniform for a performance with the theme of “Earth, Wind, Fire, Water.”
The prototype had to include a type of wearable technology, but no pyrotechnics or ignitable elements were permitted, according to the contest rules.
“I am so proud of each of these students,” Conner-Miller said. “Throughout their high school career, they have continued to go above and beyond. They showcase pride, workmanship, knowledge and specialized abilities.
“While Reina and Ben graduated and will be attending post-secondary institutions, Emily and Oak will have one more year to continue their TSA journeys,” Conner-Miller added. “I absolutely cannot wait to see the grand impact each of these students have in whatever career they choose, the sky is the limit.”
The students also credited Conner-Miller for their success at the past two national competitions.
“None of my accomplishments made in the past two years would have been able to happen without the help of my teammates and guidance of our advisor, Mrs. Conner-Miller,” Yeater said. “Though I am disappointed with our placement at nationals, it helps build my character and only makes me want to strive higher for the incoming year.”
Yeater certainly seems ready for next year.