![Ranchview HS Webmaster Team Takes First Place at National TSA Competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720704003/cfbisdedu/abknsyudev9hqsjwjo9n/RanchviewTSAThumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720704003/cfbisdedu/abknsyudev9hqsjwjo9n/RanchviewTSAThumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720704003/cfbisdedu/abknsyudev9hqsjwjo9n/RanchviewTSAThumbnail.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720704003/cfbisdedu/abknsyudev9hqsjwjo9n/RanchviewTSAThumbnail.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1720704003/cfbisdedu/abknsyudev9hqsjwjo9n/RanchviewTSAThumbnail.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720704003/cfbisdedu/abknsyudev9hqsjwjo9n/RanchviewTSAThumbnail.jpg","width":1920}])
A team of students from Ranchview High School's Information Technology Academy (ITA) brought home the top prize at the National Technology Student Association (TSA) competition held in Orlando, Florida this year.
The TSA, the second-largest Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) in Texas behind only FFA, is a STEM-based organization founded 48 years ago. The annual conference, which features more than 40 different events ranging from digital audio podcasting to software development, attracts competitors from across the United States and even internationally. Teams must qualify at the state level, with some states, like Texas, requiring an additional regional qualifier.
John Zercher, technology teacher at Ranchview High School, said his students were aiming to surpass their impressive third-place finish at Nationals last year in the Webmaster category. This year, the team secured first place at Regionals in Coppell, followed by a second-place finish at the State competition in Fort Worth. Their hard work culminated in a National championship victory in Orlando.
"This is good, hard work paying off for us," Zercher said. "Ranchview has a strong IT Academy with web design as one of our main strands. This is our students showcasing their skills to everyone. I couldn't be prouder of these guys."
The winning team consisted of graduating seniors Ian Colbert, Hrutvik Palutla, Andrew Gustafson and Siddharth Sriram, along with current seniors Tarun Kumar Vijay, Ved Patel and Monish Mehta.
Ranchview High School's Software Development team also qualified for Nationals this year, reaching the semifinals but not placing in the top ten.
The Information Technology Academy is a program of study offered through Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD’s Career and Technical Education program. The ITA, which prepares students for high-demand careers in the IT field, connects students to a network of industry leaders in our community, and offers post-secondary opportunities leading to Associates degrees in the following pathways: information technology support and services, networking systems, and web development.