Members of the Students in Technology, Academia, Research, and Services (STARS) Alliance, represented Florida State University at the Florida Technology Student Association (TSA) conference in Orlando, Florida from October 28-31. 

The team attending the conference was formed by the students: Ayva Culp, Blayne Wawrin, Carolina Ruiz, Courtney Stokes, Elizabeth Bernadin, Julia Sveen, Kirra Orndorff, and Nicole Frossard-Reis, as well as FSU alumna Ellie Webb, and College of Communication and Information Associate Dean and STARS Advisor, Ebe Randeree. 

More than 300 students from middle and high schools across Florida attended the conference. Throughout the weekend, those students were divided into 20 monster-themed family groups, co-led by the STARS members and TSA alumni. 

By conducting icebreakers and team-building activities, the students worked together on several creative challenges, including building a team monster, creating a war chant, and designing a haunted house floor plan, with the goal to compete at the Aligon Bowl on Friday night. 

“I had a great time representing FSU and the STARS chapter at the TSA conference,” said Wawrin. “It was super cool to get exposed to how influential TSA is to middle and high schoolers and the opportunities that are available to them. I also had a great time connecting with TSA alumni and even working alongside one of them with our group of about 15 TSA members. Even though our group didn’t win the Aligon Bowl, I still had a blast cheering them on and keeping them energized for the games! Go Goblins!” 

STARS members also held 3 group presentations, on topics like “Networking 101: How and when to Network”, “Resume and Grades: What else are you doing to stand out?”, and “Building Your Mentor Network: How and When”. 

The sessions were conducted through introduction of topics and interactive activities, so the students could practice what they’ve learned. 

Teachers and school advisors also attended a session presented by Ebe Randeree, on “AI in the Classroom”, discussing where AI stands, how schools are coping with that, and what it means for teachers. 

“CTE Teachers from across the state are building Florida’s future-ready workforce. At CCI, we are proud of our partnership with Florida TSA and with the teachers and students we work with,” said Randeree. “Our CCI students worked with 400 TSA students to mentor, teach and develop their leadership skills.  My session on AI looked at overall industry trends and highlighted how successful teachers are using AI to help be more effective.” 

The conference provided an opportunity for STARS members to connect with students from across Florida, share their experiences, and encourage the next generation of technology leaders. Through mentorship, presentations, and hands-on activities, the team helped students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore new ways to work together.