Future Health Professionals “HOSA” is an international student organization that helps prepare future leaders in the medical and healthcare field. Through competitions, volunteer work, and leadership opportunities, HOSA allows students interested in a medical career to experience and develop professional skills. Members can compete in events that test their knowledge in areas like medical terminology, emergency care, and public health, while also gaining experience through community service.
Students from our school’s HOSA chapter will soon travel to Orolando to compete at the Florida HOSA State Leadership Conference from April 16-19 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This multi-day event brings together students from across Florida to participate in competitions, attend workshops and seminars, and celebrate achievements in the health science field.
The HOSA chapter at our school began last year after students Madi Knudston and Sarah Friedhoff expressed interest in starting the organization. Since then, the chapter has grown and become an active part of the Florida HOSA Sunset Region, making an impact through both volunteer service and competition.
Service has been a big focus for many members. Madi Knudtson and Sarah Friedhoff have completed an impressive 250 and 150 volunteer hours at a local medical facility. Because of their dedication, both students qualify for the Barbara James Service Award, which they will receive at the State Leadership Conference. Other members who have also shown strong commitment to volunteering include Alexa Alvarez-Rodriguez with 114 volunteer hours and Anne Guidry with 105 hours.
At the beginning of the school year, HOSA members selected competitive events based on their interest in the health field. With guidance from Mrs. Ray students completed preliminary testing to qualify for regionals, and only the top five from each event advanced.
Several students had strong performances. Anne Guidry and Athena Puell placed fourth in the CPR/First Aid Competitive Test. Bella Shymske earned fourth place in the Medical Spelling Competitive Test, and Madi Knudtson placed first in the Medical Math Competitive Test.
Regional competition took place on December 6 at Gateway High School, The Mental Health Awareness presentation team, Cambree Grensing, Liv Sanford, Sarah Friedhoff, Alessandra Sanzera, and Ameila Skender, placed first and qualified for states. Madeleine Knudtson also advanced to states for her Medical Math performance.
These six students will represent our school in Orlando along with Mr. and Mrs. Friedhoff. The entire HOSA chapter wished them the best of luck as they compete and represent our school at the state level.
