HOSA state was an overall success, with Pine Creek finishing with 14 first-place titles, 10 second-place titles, and 15 third-place titles with an additional 21 top-10 finishes. Also, 35 students made it to the international competition. Your first question might be, what is HOSA? HOSA is a global organization that is run by students and allows them to pursue their dreams in the health field by carrying out opportunities in certain career fields or health industries. 

HOSA means different things to different people. HOSA Adviser, Rebecca Keith,  said, “This competition gives them better insight into the individual careers that they’re interested in. Then, it allows them to compete with the skills that they learned.” Also, HOSA has three different categories that you can compete in: Health Science, Health Professions, and Leadership/Teamwork. 

The President of HOSA, Sarah Villa (12), has been in HOSA for 4 years, and going to the community piece of HOSA, and what image she wants to present as the president. Sarah said, “I try to stay very connected with everyone that’s going on this trip, even though we have 100 plus people.” This club isn’t just competing in a certain topic. Its building bonds and finding people with similar interests as you.  

John Belisario (10) is planning on taking HOSA next year and a big part is that community aspect. He said, “It’s fun to do with friends and will help you with your future, also you’ll learn a lot of new stuff about your certain topic.” Just reinforcing the friendships you will make in the club.

Now the overall goal isn’t just making friends, it’s also becoming health professionals to help people. Sarah said, “When I go into every competition, I think, this is why I want to be in the club, I want to help people.” As HOSA continues to grow its community, the student’s passion is not only for personal growth but for making a difference in the lives of others.