Video: Students From Across State Compete In Events Ranging From Robotics, Engineering, Marketing And Forensics

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – As friends and classmates were waiting their turn, Jordann White was giving a prepared speech to a panel of judges.

His theme was “Defining Your Future” . The eighth grader at B F Liddell middle school in Noxubee County didn’t have to look far for his research.

“The county I live in, our grades are low, sometimes you have to rise above those circumstances to define your future,” White said.

More than 500 students are at the Bancorpsouth Arena for the Technology Student Association statewide conference. They take part in individual and team competitions .

“I like seeing students grow, master skills, sometimes they will learn skills they never dreamed they would have before,” said Jim Cobbs, a retired teacher who is an advisor for TSA.

On the floor of the Bancorpsouth Arena, students were taking part in the VEX robotics competition.

One competition involves forensic technology. In this scenario, a high school principal’s office has been vandalized. Students have to analyze and document the evidence.

Participants say whatever the challenge, they are getting valuable experience.

“I get to meet new people , along the way I learn how to program, build and a lot of problem solving skills,” said Melvin Nguien, a student at Ridgeland High School.

“I get to help talk to other people , I’m a state officer, so I get to work with others. It gives team work and leadership skills. It really helps me to be able to talk to other people because before I came into TSA I was really shy, I didn’t talk to anybody now, I’m like a super talkative and outgoing person,” said Savannah Richardson, a student at Germantown High School.

The conference wraps up Wednesday with an awards ceremony.