From June 27 to July 1, five students from Minot North High School traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to compete in the 2025 National TSA (Technology Student Association) Conference. Held at the sprawling Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, this annual event brought together all of the most talented STEM students from across the United States to engage in competitions focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Representing Minot North were Bryleigh McBride, Darian Tyan, Scott Tollefson, Kaydence Bodtke, and Ashley Carr. These students qualified at the state level earlier in the school year, earning the right to compete on the national stage. They were supervised by TSA advisor Matthew Ruhland, who has been instrumental in developing and mentoring the school’s chapter since its founding.
The experience offered much more than just high-stakes competition. Students gained hands-on experience in leadership, time management, creative thinking, and collaboration, while also participating in national ceremonies, networking events, and student leadership development programs. The conference tested their knowledge, technical ability, and composure under pressure, and each team member contributed to Minot North’s growing reputation as a center for STEM excellence in North Dakota.
Darian Tyan competed in three events: Technology Bowl, Problem Solving, and Coding. Technology Bowl required a deep understanding of science and technology concepts as well as general TSA knowledge. In Problem Solving, he worked alongside a teammate to develop a solution to a hypothetical engineering issue using limited materials and a tight deadline. The Coding competition challenged Darian to sort through multiple choice questions, deciphering the many languages of code.
Scott Tollefson entered Technology Bowl and Dragster Design. In Dragster Design, he was responsible for creating a CO₂-powered model dragster using CAD software. The event tested his understanding of aerodynamics, structural integrity, and speed optimization. The project involved multiple phases: research, design, drafting, and production. Combined with his performance in Technology Bowl, Scott’s contributions reflected a strong grasp of both mechanical and academic disciplines within STEM.
Bryleigh McBride participated in Problem Solving, Coding, and OnDemand Video. Each event required a different set of skills: the logical and collaborative elements of Problem Solving, the structured algorithmic work of Coding, and the fast-paced, creative production required for OnDemand Video. The OnDemand Video competition tasked her with producing a one minute video from scratch based on a surprise prompt, including storyboarding, filming, editing, and final rendering, all within less than 36 hours. This event is considered one of the most intensive and creatively demanding in the entire TSA lineup, and one of the most populous groups.
Kaydence Bodtke competed in OnDemand Video, Board Game Design, Photographic Technology, both of which fall within the digital media category. Her work demonstrated technical knowledge of camera equipment, editing software, and design principles, along with a strong ability to communicate ideas visually. Photographic Technology required submission of a themed digital portfolio, where Kaydence had to capture, edit, and arrange original images that showcased both storytelling and technical execution.
Ashley Carr participated in Board Game Design and Technology Bowl, while also representing North Dakota as the incoming State President for TSA. In Board Game Design, Ashley and her partner created an original game concept with full rules, a playable prototype, and a pitch presentation. The game was judged on playability, creativity, strategy, and mechanics. As state president, Ashley also attended leadership meetings, workshops, and ceremonies that prepared her for a year of guiding North Dakota TSA chapters.
In between competition rounds, students had the opportunity to attend general sessions, explore the convention center, and meet students from across the country. The Gaylord Opryland Resort, with its vast indoor gardens, rivers, bridges, and iconic architecture, served as an impressive and energizing backdrop to the week’s activities. Students from Minot North used the time between events to practice, support each other, and refine their skills. The team worked late into the night on their projects, bonding over shared goals and a drive to succeed, while also taking the time to have fun.
The conference also emphasized personal growth and professional development. Students gained exposure to real-world applications of the skills they were learning, everything from product design and storytelling to coding and game mechanics. Workshops and career panels introduced them to industry professionals and college programs, helping them envision how their current experiences could evolve into future careers.
The national conference provided invaluable exposure to high-level competition. Students witnessed firsthand the dedication and ingenuity of peers from larger, more established TSA programs, motivating them to continue growing their chapter back in Minot. The event gave students a glimpse into the competitive atmosphere of collegiate-level engineering and design projects, while encouraging a culture of innovation and collaboration.
With the 2025 conference complete, the Minot North team returns home with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. Several members are already planning for next year’s competitions, eager to improve their techniques, expand their event repertoire, and mentor new members. As the school’s TSA chapter continues to grow, this year’s national experience will serve as a foundation for future success.
The students are also expected to share their experience with the school community. Through presentations, recruitment efforts, and mentoring incoming members. Plans are in motion to increase student participation. With talented competitors, dedicated leadership, and a growing presence on the national stage, Minot North TSA is positioned for even greater achievements in the years to come.
