State President
Virginia TSA! How’s it going? I started TSA in 7th grade, and now I’ll be a junior at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. My journey on executive council was when I was elected as an 8th grader at Short Pump Middle School, and because of my birthday that made me the youngest Virginia state officer ever. From Parliamentarian, I served as your 2022-2023 State Treasurer, and now I’m honored to serve as your state president this year. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Kushal Gowda. I wouldn’t be even close to the person I am if it weren’t for TSA. This club allowed me to discover my voice and a passion to compete and help others. It’s provided me a sense of community and I love everyone here with my whole heart for that.
Enough about that, who am I outside of school? For starters sports is my whole life. I’m a die hard Baltimore sports fan! I love my Baltimore Ravens and grew up watching guys like Ed Reed, Steve Smith Sr, Andre Johnson, Kam Chancellor, the list goes on. All Sunday long, football is what I’ll be keeping up with. Football keeps me pumped and it’s given me a lot in bringing me closer to my family. Fun fact: I just started helping coach Deep Run HS football. I analyze film and breakdown formations and tendencies. Find me with my tablet and headset near the coordinators on Friday Night Lights! My second biggest thing is I play Varsity Baseball for Maggie Walker. I played baseball years ago, but started taking it seriously recently as my outlet. No matter how the day goes, baseball’s got me. Last thing is I play 4 instruments. I play rock music with my band in venues around Richmond, drop by and give us a listen sometime.
Virginia TSA, I’m so excited to be with y’all! This year’s going to be great, and as we say before every game, “let’s get to work.”
Secretary
Hey Virginia TSA! My name is Vidhi Shah, I am a senior at Deep Run High School, and am honored to serve as your State Secretary for the upcoming year. TSA not only has taught me so much about applications of technology, but also provided me with countless memories, and helped me grow exponentially as a leader. My major goals for the upcoming year are to promote communication, membership, and the general welfare of our association. Outside of TSA, I enjoy running for my school’s track team, being a part of my schools Model UN secretariat, hanging out with my friends, and listening to music. I look forward to what this year holds for us and cannot wait to make this Technosphere the best Virginia TSA has seen. TSA always been there for me, and now I have a chance to give back to the organization by being a part of this amazing executive council!
Treasurer
Hi Virginia TSA! I am Sirjan Kaur, a senior at Henrico High School. Since 6th grade, I have been a dedicated member of TSA, and this year marks my 7th year of involvement. Throughout this journey, I have participated in numerous challenges, but there are a few that hold a special place in my heart: Career Prep, Debating Technological Issues, and Extemporaneous Speech. When I’m not working on TSA, I find enjoyment in playing Field Hockey, participating in my school’s Model United Nations team, and savoring Chipotle burritos. If you have any suggestions, require additional information, or are interested in discussing potential policy ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Reporter
Hi Virginia TSA! My name is Megan Sawant, I’m a rising junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and am incredibly honored to be serving as your 2023-2024 State Reporter. This is my third year as part of TSA, and this club has helped me grow into the leader I am today and meet some of my best friends along the way. My favorite TSA events are Extemporaneous Speech, Debating Technological Issues, and Biotechnology Design! Outside of TSA, I enjoy anything biochemistry related, learning to get my private pilot’s license, playing field hockey, binging the latest on Netflix, and spending time with my friends and family. TSA is truly the one club that feels like family and I can’t wait for the exciting activities the Executive Council has planned this year!
sergeant At Arms
Hey there VA TSA! I am your state Sergeant-At-Arms! My name is Nashmia Patel, but I also go by Nash. I’m a senior at Rock Ridge High School in the Northern region. My love for TSA started in high school with my favorite event being Forensic Science. I am currently my chapter’s president and former Rock Ridge Sergeant-at-Arms. It’s my last year in high school and I am overjoyed to be able to spend it on the state council. My focus is on pre-med with EMS experience, and my interests span from dancing and singing to weightlifting. I can’t wait to make this year amazing! Feel free to talk to me at any time (I love chatting)!
Historian
Hi Virginia TSA! I am Shirdi Palle, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and I am thrilled to serve on State Council. With four years of TSA experience under my belt, including events such as Biotechnology, Promotional Marketing, and System Control Technology, I bring a wealth of knowledge to this role.
TSA has had a profound impact on me, shaping not only my academic pursuits but also my personal growth. I have developed a deep passion for problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork through TSA. The organization has provided countless opportunities to expand my horizons, explore my interests, and push my boundaries. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of TSA in nurturing young minds and fostering a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference.
Outside of TSA, you can often find me hanging out with my friends, playing basketball, or competing in robotics competitions. As a dedicated member of the State Council, my main focus is to enhance your TSA journey and ensure a remarkable and fulfilling experience for everyone involved. I am here to listen to your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns, so please don’t hesitate to reach out or dm at @shirdipalle on insta. Together, let’s create an exceptional and unforgettable year for Virginia TSA!
Parlimentarian
Hey Virginia TSA! My name is Erik Morrell and I’m honored to be serving you as your 2023-2024 State Parliamentarian. I am a junior at Abingdon highschool and I’m going into my 5th year in TSA. Outside of TSA I enjoy playing soccer and baseball and I also play in my school’s concert, jazz, and marching bands. I’m a super social person and love to make new friends so if you see me around TSA don’t hesitate to come say hi! I’m super excited for this year and I can’t wait to see what amazing things we can accomplish!
Northern Region President
Hi everyone! My name is Kendall Beetle, and I am a senior at Briar Woods High School. I am honored to serve as your 2023-2024 Northern Region President. I truly believe joining TSA is one of the best decisions I made. I have learned so much about myself and how I interact with other people. I have learned to collaborate with others and have been exposed to many different perspectives outside of my own. I have learned to take a step back and let others have their moment. I have learned to be selfless. I have learned to adapt. I have learned to stand up for myself. I have learned to be a leader, and a true leader is not someone that always needs the spotlight, but someone who recognizes what those around them bring to the table, builds others up, highlights those around them in a way that makes them feel seen and valued, puts those around them in a position to succeed, understands how their team works and functions best, and just truly sees others. In Technology Student Association, I have built upon my technical skills, which is expected, but I have also improved my soft skills. I can talk to people, and effectively articulate my thoughts and ideas.
One of the most important things that I have learned is that mistakes and losing are necessary to life and growth. A person cannot be expected to win all the time and never will. There is always someone that will be slightly better than you, but instead of letting that beat you down, you should take that as motivation to propel you forward. I learned much more from the losses than the victories. During my time in TSA, I have been surrounded by such outstanding, intelligent, and capable individuals, and do not believe I would be the same person without meeting them. They motivate me to do better and be better. They have provided me with an example of what not only a true leader looks like but more importantly a friend. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the events that this year holds in store and make sure to say hi!
South Central President
Hi Virginia TSA! My name is Allie Florence, and I’m a senior at Highland Springs High School in the Center for Engineering. I’ve been a member of TSA since seventh grade,serving in a variety of roles at Short Pump Middle School, Highland Springs High School and South Central Region. I’m proud to be the regional president for South Central this year, and look forward to working together to increase our community service. I enjoy trying new challenges in TSA every year, having competed in transportation modeling, debate, podcasting, fashion design and mass production. Outside of TSA & school, I participate in Model UN. I love rock climbing, scuba diving and reading, and am a leader for our local cotillion group. I am also very involved in dyslexia advocacy. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in fourth grade, and love to promote the many ways dyslexia can be a super-power. Please let me know how I can help make your TSA experience better! (or maybe we could just go climb some walls…)
Southwestern President
Hello Virginia TSA! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Erin Johnson and I am overjoyed to be your Southwestern Regional President! I am a sophomore at Abingdon High School and this is my fifth year in TSA. When I am not doing schoolwork or working with our amazing TSA state team, I enjoy dancing, playing with my dogs, and hiking. I am thrilled to help my small region and state delegation grow!
Tidewater President
Hey there, VIRGINIA!!! My name is Sanjam Saini, AKA your 2023-2024 Tidewater Regional President!! I am a proud junior at Grassfield High School, and love to spend my time creating, whether it’s making a TSA project, designing a presentation, or doodling a masterpiece. I am so, so excited to see what I can do under this organization not only for my region but for the state. My vision is to see TSA spread like wildfire and for every student to have the opportunity to join us in inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. To be a part of the team that produces the unforgettable experience that is Virginia TSA is a dream come true, and I have only you all to thank for the year to come!
Valley President
Greetings Virginia TSA, I’m Gavin Tolar. With your support, I’m honored to serve as a member of the State Executive Council as the President of the Valley Region! As a student of Turner Ashby High School completing my fifth and final year as a TSA member, I can’t wait to give back to the organization that has done so much for me. I love Virginia TSA as it is one of the more active and involved delegations in the entire nation, yet it remains in close contact with its regions and individual chapters.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going outdoors to bike or hang out with my dogs, and playing guitar. My favorite competitions have always changed over the years with the ups and downs of competition, but this year I’ve come to enjoy Board Game Design, System Control Technology, and On Demand Video.
The seat I fill is one I used to marvel at during my first years of TSA. I make it my goal to retain and expand the inspiration this council provides to its younger members, encouraging excellent student leadership in the future of Virginia TSA. The legacy left by our previous teams will be preserved as we make strides to improve the experience of every one of you members. I’m looking forward to fulfilling these goals and making you all proud this year!
Blue Ridge President
Hi Virginia TSA, my name is Jack Buckland and I’m the Blue Ridge Region President. I’m very excited for my second year of TSA. I am a 7th grader at Narrows Elementary Middle School. Outside of TSA I participate in basketball, football and soccer. My main goal for this year is to get more school chapters involved and active in the Blue Ridge Region.
