MATTAWA - The Wahluke School District Technology Student Association (TSA) continues to grow, as the district continues to expand its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum to lower and lower grades.

With more than 20 students and 10 robots, the Wahluke TSA opened the VEX Robotics competition season at Goldendale on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Last Saturday, 30 Wahluke TSA members traveled to Central Washington University for leadership training. They received a full day of TSA training from state officers as they set goals to reach chapter objectives for the academic year.

Wahluke TSA members will compete at a VEX Robotics regional competition at CWU on Dec. 6.

At Goldenale, eighth-graders Brayan Ranae Santiago and Jesus Manzo took home the Judges Award. This trophy recognizes their creativity in the building of their robot for the design challenge.

This year's robotics challenge, VEX Skyrise, is a competitive game in which two opposing teams attempt to stack and align as many blocks and tubes as possible within the 2-minute, 30-second time allowance.

The TSA group has grown. It not only includes 7th and 8th grade students from Wahluke Junior High but also 6th grade students, with downward expansion planned. There is a high school group.

"The school district has been very supportive in these efforts," WJH STEM teacher Myron Hamilton said.

Career and Technnical Education (CTE) Director Michael Smith has assisted with the needs of the High School TSA chapter through CTE funding.

Superintendent Aaron Chavez has directed energy, resources and staff at WJH and district grade schools to implement STEM curriculum throughout all grade levels.

Due in part to these efforts, combined with the existing STEM programs, Wahluke TSA members are poised for positive results.

"We look forward to the remaining five VEX events this year, in addition to the other STEM and TSA competitions on our slate," TSA Co-Advisor Arthur Morken said. "We have a great team this year of students, coaches and advisors."

Those include coaches Molly Lawson at WJH and Brian Wilson at WHS and teachers like Kyle Carrigan as extra support. Wilson and Lawson have been instrumental in expansion of the programs.

"We have a strong core of students comprised of both former WJH kids and new WHS members," Wilson said.

The WSD Warriors Robotics Team is a combined effort of 30-40 students on any given week and 4-5 dedicated adults.

"I'm happy to be on board for this opportunity working with such great students and staff," Lawson said.