One of the highlights and most important parts of HOSA is the State Leadership Conference that took place on March 30 at Rolla High School and Technical Institute & Center.
There were 16 LHS students who placed at the event. They also received the National Service Project Award and ABC Blood Drive award. There were also 24 students who qualified to enter the International Leadership Conference in Nashville this summer.
HOSA is a club to consider participating in if you are interested in doing something in the medical field. And, even if you aren’t interested in doing something in the medical field, it is a beneficial program to learn so many health benefits about people.
Jennifer Strathman, who is the HOSA sponsor, points out that the biggest highlight of this event was having the healthcare career panel featuring a nurse, veterinarian, lab researcher, respiratory therapist, biotechnologist, and pharmacist. Strathman also states the activities she did to contribute to this event.
“A state service project where conference participants made teal ribbons to donate to Russell House and similar organizations across Missouri to to raise awareness of domestic and sexual abuse,” Strathman said.
Loukya Vaka (11) was one of the students who qualified for this event. She was the state champion in ATC Leadership for the second year in a row. Zachary Jose also won a state championship in Pathophysiology.
“The biggest highlight of participating in HOSA State this year was working with the Parliamentary procedure team, and then winning second place in our event,” Vaka said.
Vaka also states that she would recommend this club to people who are looking for a friendly, welcoming community that explores various aspects of the healthcare field. Members work on these competitive events for countless months.
“HOSA can also help people find their calling and it’s a great space to be yourself,” Vaka said. “HOSA and HOSA State, have been some of the most defining aspects of my high school career, and I’m so glad I got to be apart of this amazing organization that is full of wonderful, intelligent people.”
Matthew Medina (11) is another student who participated in HOSA State.
“It’s a great club to get your foot in the door if you want to pursue a job in healthcare,” Medina said.
The biggest highlight of going to state and being able to participate in this event for Medina was receiving gold level recognition for his service project.
“My favorite part of it was going to the different symposiums that they had set up and talking with my friends and meeting new people,” Medina said.
