Two Manatee County students and best friends, Makenzie Graham and Zoie Henson, made history this summer by earning Lee Middle School’s first-ever national championship at the Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Now ninth graders at different high schools — Makenzie at Manatee High and Zoie at Southeast High — the pair came together to compete in the Problem Solving event and walked away as national champions. Their win was one of four national championships earned by Manatee County students at the June event, a proud accomplishment for the district.
The Problem Solving event required Makenzie and Zoie to think fast and build even faster. Given just two hours and a box of random materials, including a mouse trap, popsicle sticks, straws, CDs, string, and dowel pins, they were challenged to engineer a working vehicle. It was a true test of creativity, communication, and hands-on STEM skills.
Makenzie, who’s always loved building things, said the moment their names were announced was unforgettable. “I was ecstatic,” she said. “When I heard Lee Middle won, I couldn’t believe it.”
Zoie echoed the excitement — and surprise. "My jaw dropped,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to get anything, so to hear our names called for first place… I was so shocked.”
Makenzie and Zoie’s friendship played a big role in their success. Though now attending rival high schools, they remain close — talking on the phone nearly every night. Their bond, built on teamwork and shared goals, helped carry them to the top.
Makenzie is enjoying her transition to high school and says Algebra II is currently her favorite class. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in animal sciences.
Zoie, who applied to attend Southeast High during School Choice because of its strong TSA program, is excited to try out for the softball team and stay involved in STEM competitions.
Both girls plan to remain active in TSA throughout high school.
Makenzie and Zoie’s victory was just one part of Manatee County’s standout performance at the 2025 TSA National Conference. Across middle and high school divisions, the district earned:
🏆 4 National Championships
🎖️ 16 Top Five finishes
🏅 31 Top Ten awards
National Champions (1st Place):
Lee Middle School – Problem Solving (Makenzie Graham & Zoie Henson)
Braden River High School – Biotechnology Design
Braden River High School – Engineering Design
Braden River High School – Promotional Design (Joyce C.)
2nd Place: Braden River High (Chapter Team), Braden River Middle (Structural Engineering)
3rd Place: Haile Middle (Flight – Quincy C.)
4th Place: Braden River Middle (Biotech, Community Service Video), Haile Middle (Dragster – Quincy C.), Braden River High (Dragster – Callum W.), Dr. Mona Jain Middle (Tech Bowl)
5th Place: Braden River High (Board Game, Drone Challenge), Haile Middle (Children’s Stories), Palm View K-8 (Mass Production)
6th–10th Place: Numerous top-ten finishes by students from Haile, Nolan, Dr. Mona Jain, Braden River High, Palmetto High, Lakewood Ranch High, and Parrish Community High schools.
With strong community support, dedicated educators, and friendships forged through competition, the future of STEM in Manatee County is looking bright.