Area high school students from Huron, Wolsey-Wessington and Iroquois recently attended the HOSA, Future Health Professionals State Leadership conference in Sioux Falls on April 11 and 12 with over 800 other HOSA students from the state of South Dakota.

HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for a variety of ages who have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. 

The students participated in a variety of health care related competitions throughout the two, day event. In addition, the conference included a number of breakout sessions for the students to learn more about health care roles. Activities included making tie blankets for Project Warm, up, attending breakout sessions in specific health areas, a career and college fair and more!

Several students within our region qualified for the HOSA International Leadership Conference by placing in the top three of their special events. The conference is to be held June 26, 29 in Houston Texas. 

Qualifiers and events include:

• Huron: Adisyn Zavesky, physical therapy, first place; Mackenzie Hershman, family medicine physician, second place; Day Lu Paw, dental science, second place; Win Ni and Hser Dah Say, EMT, second place; Hser Dah Say, dental science, third place; Hser Wah, clinical nursing, third place; and Reese Stephens, phlebotomy, third place.  

Huron HOSA had 28 members compete at the convention. Huron advisers are Rita Baszler, Lanners, RN, BSN, Teresa Haatvedt, RN, BSN and Rebekah Storm, DNP.

• Wolsey-Wessington:
Allison Hulst, Jett Kleinsasser, Amanah Woodruff, Irelyn Salisbury and Carson Walters, mental health promotion, first place; Kendal Uttecht, healthy living, first place; Roxy Glanzer and Rachel Boomsma, public health, third place;
Colin Hughes and Payton Kemnitz placed in the top 10 for health career photography

Wolsey, Wessington HOSA had 17 members compete at the convention. Wolsey, Wessington co-advisers are Lexi Hooks and Julie Boomsma.

• Iroquois: Avah Newman, Taylor Tuel and Gabe Voges, middle school health education event, first place; Zoei Schmidt, Ellman, life support skills, first place; Kali Burma, HOSA Happenings, second place; Natalie Cundy, healthcare issues exam, second place; Natalie Cundy, Tabitha Rose, Airabella Deysel and Skyla Harris, health wducation event, second place; Emma Eckmann and Madi Burma, community awareness event, second place; and Zoei Schmidt, Ellman, personal care event, second place; and Madi Burma, medical reading, third place.

Barbara James Service Award winners: Emma Eckmann, Zoei Schmidt, Ellman, Chenoa Harris, Madi Burma, Bronze Medal winners; Airabella Deysel, Skyla Harris, Natalie Cundy, Silver Medal winners; and Kali Burma, Gold Medal winner

In addition, the Iroquois HOSA Chapter received recognition for Outstanding HOSA Chapter, their contribution to the HOSA National Service Project and the ABC Blood Drive Award.
Iroquois HOSA had 17 members compete at the convention. The Iroquois HOSA adviser is Daphne Moeller.