More than two dozen Biloxi Junior High School ninth graders won awards in the Region IV Technology Student Association Conference, held Feb. 22 at Gulf Coast Community College's George County campus in Lucedale.

The students are now eligible to compete at State TSA conference in April over spring break.

The Technology Student Association is a national, nonprofit organization for middle and high school students with a strong interest in technology. Since TSA was chartered in 1978, more than 2 million students have participated.

The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs.

The Biloxi Junior High School winners:

Breann Baker -- first place, Technical Design Challenge

Erin Bristol -- first place, Video Challenge and first place, Problem Solving

Devin Cady -- first place, Technology Bowl Challenge and second place, Technology Bowl Challenge Individual Score

Savannah Cummings -- first place, Problem Solving

Natasha Duncan -- first place, Prepared Speech

Naomi Edwards -- first place, Leadership Challenge; and second place, Technical Design Challenge

Blair Guice -- first place, Technology Bowl Challenge; and third place, Technology Bowl Challenge Individual Score

Austin Hendrix -- first place, Electrical Applications; and second place, Geographical Information Systems

Shannon Langlinais -- first place, Leadership Challenge

Hannah Moody -- first place, Communications Challenge

Gina Moon -- first place, Graphic Design Challenge

Jen Nguyen -- first place, Technology Bowl Challenge Individual Score, first place, Technology Bowl Challenge; and first place, Medical Technology Challenge

Kristina Nguyen -- first place, Inventions and Innovations

Mai Nguyen -- first place, Leadership Challenge; and first place, Video Challenge

Hannah Parker -- first place, Medical Technology Challenge; and first place, Video Challenge

Nam Pham -- first place, Inventions and Innovations; and first place, Geographical Information Systems

Phuong Pham -- third place, Graphic Design Challenge

Bianca Powe - third place, Career Challenge

Zakari Smith -- first place, Challenging Technology Issues

Summer Spears -- first place, Technical Writing Challenge

Jennifer Tran -- first place, Challenging Technology Issues and 2nd Graphic Design Challenge

Thao Tran -- first place, Inventions and Innovations

Melynda Vo -- third place, Electrical Applications

Christina Williams -- first place, Digital Photography Challenge

Jeffrey Windom - second place, Electrical Applications; and third place, Technology Design Challenge.

The Biloxi High School jazz band was on hand to perform at the opening of Dillard's at Edgewater Mall.

Those performing were Steven Allen, Harry Blanton, Warren Bristol, Lindsey Brown, Angie Burnham, Kayleigh Clark, Matt Fury, Meagan Gill, Louis Haddad, Stormi Knippers, Greg Rollins, Jessica Tempone, Brantley Thompson, Katie Wilson and Dareus Woods.