National History Day at TMA!

Last Wednesday, Thurgood Marshall Academy juniors participated in National History Day. This year’s theme was Debate and Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, and Consequences and students selected an original research topic to write about and present to the TMA Community at Wednesday’s fair. Students presented their work and exhibit boards on topics ranging from the Gay Rights movement to the Death Penalty to US Relations with Cuba. During the fair students showcased the results of the research and work they had done since October. Thank you to Ms. Otrasina for organizing the event and congratulations to the students, all of your hard work paid off!

Mentor Day at Georgetown University!

On Saturday, March 5 the Mentor Program visited the beautiful campus of Georgetown University. Led by mentor Kathryn Cogswell and TMA Staffer Jess Joswick mentors and mentees got a tour of the university that included tips and special information they learned from the guide’s time at Georgetown. The groups got to explore the library, visit a dorm, see the student fitness center and the newly built Business School. After the tour, the group sat down for a panel discussion with current TMA Mentors where they learned what college life is really like. They also got some tips on what they need to do to end up at the right school for them. The day ended with lunch at the Leavy Center. We hope everyone had a great time and that all the TMA students will be ready to return to a college campus soon as enrolled students!

TMA Track Team Runs in First Ever Meet

This past Sunday, the Thurgood Marshall Academy track team competed in its first ever meet. 11 Warriors ran the 3.1 mile course in Woodley Park, braving rain, wind, and a field of over 500 runners.



Senior co-captain Delonte Nash finished first for TMA, and 5th overall in his age group. He was followed closely by fellow captain Ke’von Miles and Rashad Hartridge, Maurice Ogletree, John Brinson, and Stewart Gray.

Nadean Talley led the Lady Warriors; the co-captain finished 24th in her age group. Crossing the line not far after her were Courtney Jones, Justice Long, Darylquisha Hill, and Shandale Scott.

Today it was back to business as usual with 7:30 AM practice before school. If you want to support the track team, stop by the Banneker track this Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. The team will be working out in preparation for the soon to be released track schedule.

Law Day Takes on Consumer Rights

The situation: a brother and sister buy used bikes from an online retailer for a low price. After their 5 day warranty expired the bikes fall apart. Can they get their money back? Is the website responsible? What rights does a consumer have? This is the issue that TMA students debated in February’s Law Day.

Students took on roles as consumers, parents and the website to debate the issue and come to a resolution. Each group had the facts of the case and relevant laws at their disposal to formulate their position. A panel of students, acting as the better business bureau, listened to each side of the argument and then decided on a resolution. In one group, the panel decided that the website would replace only one of the bikes, in hopes that both sides would be a happy.

Students learned that as consumers we have rights that we need to know so they are not infringed upon. Law Day Students improved their critical thinking skills and learned techniques to advocate for themselves. The next Law Day will be Friday, March 25th. A big thank you to the chaperones and volunteer lawyers. A special mention goes to ,Eleanor Lewis and Mike Mazer, the authors of this brand new Law Day lesson.

Issue II of The TMA Brief!

Newspaper students have been hard at work on the second issue of the school newspaper, The TMA Brief.

Click HERE to check it out!



Inside you’ll find an article about student uniforms, our Student Government President’s State of the Academy Address, Ask Dwayne – our advice column, Armoire – our fashion column, a creative writing section and more!

Print copies will be passed out to students and faculty today at lunch!