U.P. Health Occupation Students Compete Downstate

The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) participants from Marquette Senior High School recently competed at the HOSA State Leadership Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort.

MSHS teacher Ronda Manninen says several students will continue toward the national competition. Medalists in the April 18-20 event who qualify to compete at nationals in June at Disneyworld (Orlando, FL) include Alex Bott – 2nd place in Veterinary Science (skills included Fecal Flotation and ID animal breeds) and Connor Wilkinson – 1st place in the National Recognition Program.

Finalists, who placed 4th-8th in the competition include: Paulina Puskala – 4th place in Nutrition Knowledge Test; Kristine Taetsch – 4th Place in Medical Assisting (skills included Telephone Techniques and Taking Patient History); and, Mariah Rosado – 8th place in Researched Persuasive Speaking (Topic – Hospitals: Bigger is Better)

HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA’s mission is to “promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.”

More than 100,000 students participate with HOSA. Students choose from approximately 50 events, based on their interest and strengths, and whether they want an individual or team event. MSHS hosted the U.P. Regional event in February where more than 300 Upper Michigan students competed. School represented were from Gogebic-Ontonagon, Copper Country, L’anse-Baraga, Ishpeming, Negaunee, NICE, Dickinson-Iron, Delta, Manistique, Sault Ste. Marie and Menominee school districts.

More information on HOSA is available online at hosa.org and michiganhosa.org.