ETR Staff Report
Tyler, TX – Students from the Career & Technology Center (CTC) Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Texas TSA State Conference, competing against a record-breaking field of more than 9,600 students from across the state. Despite a young, relatively inexperienced team, CTC students rose to the challenge, earning multiple medals and top-10 finishes while continuing a tradition of excellence that has defined the program for years.
Led by advisors Mrs. Kim Landry, Mr. Charles Hesse, Mr. Curtis Jenkins, and Mr. Mike Baker, 19 CTC students competed in the state competition after a strong showing at the regional level, where all 21 participating students qualified in 35 events. At state, students demonstrated their skills across a wide range of technical and creative disciplines, earning two gold medals, two silver medals, four bronze medals, and numerous finalist placements.
Vanessa Luker earned a state championship with a first-place gold medal in Publishing – Safety Poster, while Saad Ali also captured a state championship with a first-place finish in Display of Biotechnical Research or Applications. Silver medalists included Carston Hesse in Recycled Materials Metal and the eSports Programming & Tournament Competition team of Owen Carter, Jasper Butler, and Salvador Montes, who also received a drone kit sponsored by PITSCO. Bronze medal winners included Emory Benkowski (Wood/Metal Mixed Materials), Ayaan Haider (Program Made with a Drag and Drop Language), Owen Carter, Jasper Butler, and Salvador Montes (UTE HS eSports Programming Grand Championship), and Vanessa Luker (Thematic Poster).
In addition to medalists, several students earned recognition as state finalists by placing in the top 10 in their respective events, including Sheppard Johnson, Saad Ali, Thang Hoang, Andy Graves, Khloe Wade, Vanessa Luker, Kyle Bass, Malcolm McBain, Ayaan Haider, Abdul Mohammed, Ronin Back, Owen Carter, Andy Graves, and Chinedu Onwuzurumba. Their achievements reflect the team’s resilience, dedication, and commitment to growth throughout the year.
The 2026 season marked a rebuilding year for the chapter, with only three returning members and a roster of 31 students overall. Throughout the year, TSA members engaged in community service projects, leadership development activities, and competitive events, while also building meaningful connections and professional skills that extend beyond competition.
Since its founding in the 2018–2019 school year, the CTC TSA chapter has grown into a powerhouse program. What began with just 12 students quickly evolved into a highly competitive and decorated organization. Over seven years of active competition, CTC TSA students have earned an extraordinary 81 total medals, including 35 gold, 33 silver, and 13 bronze. The program’s accolades also include a National Championship in Cybersecurity and a Division II State Championship, highlighting the caliber of talent and dedication within the chapter.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.
