HOSA students from Forbush HighSchool recently attended the 48th annual HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN June 17th-22nd where over 14,000 individuals came together to focus on healthcare. During the conference students had the opportunity to participate in the HOSA competitive events program, attend educational symposiums, healthcare exposition, and leadership training, as well as network with HOSA members from across the globe including students from Canada, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, and American Samoa to name a few.
The following students from Forbush High School were in attendance at the conference Nina Caseratno, Kayla Gill, Valeria Hernandez, Haidyn Hester, Elizabeth Holbrook, Riley Jester, Reagan Jester, Abigail Lange, Paige Ratcliffe, Jenna Shore, Savanna Sizemore and Ellie Wooten. All students listed above participated in the Healthcare Issues Exam and National Geographic Testing in various categories including but not limited to Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry and Biology.
Some competitive events require qualification at the regional level to advance to the state level and all require placement at the state level to participate at the International level. Some of the students mentioned have been working on their respective competitive events since August of 2024. Senior Riley Jester and Junior Abigail Lange participated in EMT, Junior Valeria Hernandez participated in Phlebotomy making it to the second round of competition, Senior Reagan Jester and Freshman Ellie Wooten participated in Health Career Photography both making it to the second round of competition. Forbush’s own Ellie Wooten finished 5th Internationally in her event!
HOSA has a central focus on community services and serving others. The following students were recognized and honored with the Barbara James Service Award for completing health related community service over the past year. Gold Level completing 250 plus hours of community service: Elizabeth Holbrook. Silver Level completing 249-175 hours of community service: Riley Jester. Bronze Level completing 174-100 hours of community service: Nina Casertano, Kayla Gill, Haidyn Hester, Reagan Jester, Savanna Sizemore and Jenna Shore.
Elizabeth Holbrook was recognized for the HOSA Happenings, a newspaper style publication featuring a culmination of events throughout the year.
As a chapter Forbush HOSA was recognized for contribution of service and monetary donation for the service project “Be the Match”.
Senior Reagan Jester received a scholarship from the National Technical honor Society to continue her education to become a nurse.
The International Leadership conference provides numerous opportunities for all involved. It brings closure to the school year and provides seniors one last opportunity to be involved with Forbush HOSA. For more information about Forbush HOSA you may contact Adrianna Sloan at Forbush High School.
