Zach Barnes Elected Vice President of North Carolina TSA

Rising Scotland High School Junior Zachary Barnes, who has served as North Carolina Technology Student Association president for the Scotland County High School chapter for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years, was elected the NCTSA state vice president at the organization's 30th annual conference held earlier this year at the North Carolina TSA State Conference in Greensboro. Zachary, who has led other organizations in his capacity as student government vice president, Spanish Club vice president, and acting Key Club president, has participated in the Native American Student Association, the Principal's Student Advisory Committee, and on the debate team. Zachary expressed his appreciation at becoming the state level vice president of the NCTSA.

"It was a real honor to be elected to the position of state vice president," he said. "I will do my best to assist the TSA in all its endeavors."

Scotland County Schools TSA advisor Sharon Williams is impressed by Zachary's leadership abilities. "Zach has demonstrated leadership skills since his days in elementary school. He was the perfect candidate for TSA state office and was voted in as middle school representative during his eighth grade year at Carver. During my time working with Zach, he consistently demonstrated leadership skills in the classroom and school and already has a long list of accolades. I have complete confidence in him as a leader and role model." Becky Wilson, an English teacher from the School of Math and Science at Scotland High School, agreed with Williams' assessment. "Zach's innate leadership abilities are evident in his leadership though example," she said. "He is a rare student who is both driven and selfless. He continuously strives to make himself and his school better in whatever way he can, and his peers and teachers both appreciate Zach's determination to make himself and those around him as successful as possible."

A member of the Laurinburg Church of God of Prophecy and an evangelist for the past seven years, Zachary's plans for college are both ambitious and concise. "I plan to pursue a doctorate in theology from Harvard," he said.

To serve in his new position as state vice president, Zachary had to pass a state advisor screening committee based on his candidate application, school transcripts, teacher recommendations and an essay entitled “Why I want to be a North Carolina-TSA State Officer.” He also took part in an on-site interview process that included a 10-minute interview by a committee appointed by the NC-TSA State Advisor.

During his time in office, Zachary will be responsible for planning the NCTSA State Conference and will attend the NCTSA State Officer Planning Session and the Fall Leadership Conference.

Zachary plans to expand his leadership role by running for the National T.S.A. office of Treasurer at the national convention in Denver, Colo. this summer. Earning this honor would mean involvement in planning the 2010 national conference and the duty of promoting the general welfare of the TSA.

The Technology Student Association is a non-profit, nationally competitive student organization for middle and high school technology education. Visit www.nctsa.org and www.tsaweb.org for more information.

[by John Lentz, Laurinburg Exchange]