National TSA President, Eric Dixon, Attends Meeting With U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary

Meet the 2008-2009 National Officer Team 

Eric Dixon - President
Hello everyone! My name is Eric Dixon and I am from Knoxville, TN. I have lived in Knoxville my entire life and I am currently a senior at Karns HS. My favorite subjects are math and history, although I can usually find something interesting in any of my classes. As far as my hobbies go, I love basketball and wakeboarding, but most importantly, I love music. I have been constructing a home studio for about four years now, where I record the music of friends and local artists. Additionally, I compose music and play guitar and bass guitar. At school, I am involved in an array of co-curricular activities. I am on the executive board of the Karns High School SPIF (Students Preparing Incoming Freshmen), in which we do our best to make the freshmen’s transition from middle school to high school as easy as possible. I am also a member of Boy Scout Troop 246, and I am currently working on my Eagle Project.  Finally, I have been involved with TSA for six years now and it is truly an honor to be serving as your National President. TSA has not only allowed me to discover multiple careers for my future, but it has allowed me to build my soft skills, make life long friends, and become a more dynamic leader. I would not be the same person today if it were not for TSA and the advisors who make this great organization possible. As for my future, I plan to major in either astrophysics or math and possibly serve as a state or national legislator one day. Contact me at NationalTSAPresident@yahoo.com

Adam Knecht – Vice President
Hi, I’m Adam Knecht and I am a junior at Shelby County High School in Kentucky and have been a member of TSA for six years now. In TSA I have served in numerous local offices and as the state’s secretary and vice-president. I’m also a member of the Student Technology Leadership program, in which I serve as a senior engineer. I also participate in Beta Club and serve on my school’s Youth Service Center committee and on my district’s technology committee. I have a great interest in computers from troubleshooting to programming, and Web design. After graduation, I hope to attend Georgia Tech and eventually receive my master’s degree in computer science. Contact me at NationalTSAVicePresident@yahoo.com

Raya Taylor – Secretary
I’m Raya Taylor, your 2008–2009 National TSA Secretary. I’m a junior at the North Carolina School of Science and Math, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful year doing all that I can to make your TSA experience as memorable as possible! I’d like to say thanks for everyone’s support at the National Conference in Florida, and I’m ecstatic at the prospect of what’s to come in Denver. I hope you enjoy the fall edition of the School Scene, as I know it’s full of helpful information for your chapter and the upcoming school year. See you in Denver! Contact me at NationalTSASecretary@yahoo.com

Rayleigh Lei – Treasurer
Hi, I am Rayleigh Lei from Ithaca, New York. In addition to this being my sixth year of TSA, I am a senior at Ithaca High School. As such, any college advice would be greatly welcomed! Indeed, please email me any advice, suggestions, comments, questions, etc. on TSA or other matters related to it. In TSA, my favorite event has been Extemporaneous Presentation. In my spare time, I like reading, playing viola, and playing Settlers of Catan. So far, it has been a lot of fun serving as your national treasurer. Again, please email me any suggestions, comments, etc. As a side note, I will be the region 4 officer this year. Contact me at NationalTSATreasurer@yahoo.com

Peter Andrews - Reporter
Hello TSA! My name's Peter Andrews, and I'm honored to serve as your National Reporter this year. At my school in Delaware, Mount Pleasant High School, I help organize our school wide American Cancer Society Relay for Life program, as well as participate in Model UN and Academic Bowl. I also play soccer for my school—but baseball and football are my favorite sports to watch. In what free time I have, I read, play video games, follow politics, and relax with my friends and family. I look forward to hearing from all of you this year, and look forward to meeting everyone again in Denver! Contact me at NationalTSAReporter@yahoo.com

Obadiah Galley – Sergeant-At-Arms
Hey TSA!! I am Obadiah Galley and I am very excited to be serving as your 2008–2009 National Sergeant-at-Arms. I currently attend Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, North Carolina (GO RADIERS!!). I am a senior and will be graduating June 12th 2009. I became involved in TSA as a freshmen, and loved every moment of it, and have been coming back every since. My school day involves doing something TSA-related, leading the school as student body president, and leading the tenor section on the school’s show choir. I am involved with different activities in my school as well as in my community. After I from graduate high school I plan on attending NC State University, majoring in technology education with a minor in political science. I can’t even begin to explain how blessed I am to be a part of this wonderful organization and this awesome national officer team. I can’t wait to see what the year brings, but I know it will bring joy, happiness, love, and lots of FUN!! I am very excited to “Shape the Future” with TSA!! Contact me at NationalTSASergeant-At-Arms@yahoo.com
 

National TSA Officers Visit Washington, D.C.
At the July 2008 National Officer Training held in Reston, Virginia,  the officers had the opportunity to meet with the Assistant Secretary of Education, Mr. Ray Simon.  The meeting was held at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C. 

Back Row:  Rayleigh Lei, Treasurer, Peter Andrews, Reporter, Mr Ray Simon, Assistant Secretary of Education, and Obadiah Galley, Sergeant-at-Arms.

Front Row:  Adam Knecht, Vice President, Raya Taylor, Secretary and Eric Dixon, President.