Zachary Barnes, a rising junior in the School of Math, Science and Technology at Scotland High School, has been elected to the National Technology Student Association office of Treasurer for 2009-2010.

Barnes was among some 15 members of the Scotland County Technology Student Association (TSA) and their chaperones who attended the 31st Annual National TSA Conference June 28 through July 2, 2009 at the Sheraton Denver Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Denver Hotel and the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo.

This conference recognized the technological future of its youth and the nation with the theme “Shape The Future.”

Barnes, who ran his campaign with the aid of North Carolina TSA members under the slogan “Keep it Real, Zach’s the Deal”, was happy to be elected to the national office.

"It was a real thrill to become the national treasurer," Barnes said. "When I was younger and attended my first national convention, I remember seeing the national officers and wanting to do that. To become one is a dream come true."

During the second general session, with nearly 4000 in attendance, Zachary delivered a "dynamic and captivating" speech, according to Carver Middle School TSA Advisor Sharon WIlliams, that secured him the position over two talented speakers competing for the same office.

"Zach is such a powerful speaker, and he handled himself well," Williams said. "His speech was thoroughly impressive."

Some of Barnes' responsibilities in the coming year will include promoting the Technology Student Association, organizing the 2009-2010 TSA Conference and attending numerous meetings across the country.

"I will be meeting association members in Reston, Va. July 29 through Aug. 1, where we will begin planning all sorts of things for the year," he said. "Next week is when my duties as treasurer will really begin."

Other students from Scotland County also fared well at the conference as they competed in various events based on principles and concepts learned through projects in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Guided by their chapter advisors, students prepared all year to compete with their peers in technology events that included agriculture and biotechnology, career, dragster design, environmental challenge, medical technology, problem solving, and video.

Spring Hill students Yaser Iftikhar and Trace Birchfield placed in the top 10 with their medical project on prosthetics. Carver students Ashley Barnes, Sallie Wegner and Daniel Williams also placed in the top 10 for a video production featuring Scotland County’s Humane Society. Additional TSA members attending included Lakresha Brown, Shannon McKenzie, Mayghan Campbell, Hannah Hardy, and Jessica Norton.

In addition to Williams, chaperones were Deborah Barnes, Lisa Campbell and Josh Norton.

While in Denver, students had an opportunity to visit the Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, Elitch Gardens and the 16th Street Mall.

"Everyone had an incredible experience and learned a lot about the Rocky Mountain mile-high city," Williams said.

For more information, visit the Technology Student Association homepage at www.tsaweb.org or contact a local TSA leader. The Scotland County TSA director is Dr. Terry Franklin.

Local School leaders include Williams, Scotland High School Advisor Travis Locklear, Spring Hill Advisors Felicia Ingram, Jody Odom, Brent Hobby, and Sycamore Lane Advisor Monica Whitehead.