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From left: PSC HOSA member students Asia Greer, Riley Lerille, Haleigh Dean, Leilani Ramos and Jasmin Lawrence with PSC Health Programs Outreach Coordinator Hillary Sandusky.
Pensacola State College students Haleigh Dean, Asia Greer, Jasmin Lawrence, Riley Lerille, Samantha McDowell and Leilani Ramos traveled to the Health Occupations Students of America International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, June 17–21, to participate in competitive events focused on leadership, professional and technical skills.
HOSA provides its student members with opportunities to participate in competitive leadership training for healthcare careers. Led by PSC Health Programs Outreach Coordinator Hillary Sandusky, PSC’s HOSA members have demonstrated preparedness for their future careers by excelling at regional, state and national competitive events.
In the national HOSA competition, Lerille placed first in the Veterinary Science event, receiving a $1,000 scholarship; Dean placed second in Veterinary Science; and McDowell placed first in Health Career Photography.
Greer was a top 5 finalist in Pharmacology, receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Lawrence was a top 5 finalist in Medical Spelling.
Ramos was a top 10 finalist in both the HOSA History Exam and Healthcare Issues Exam, while also earning the bronze-level Barbara James Service Award for health-focused volunteerism and community service hours.
“All of our students were absolutely amazing. It was an extremely successful conference, and I’m so proud of each and every one of them. Their hard work and dedication have definitely paid off,” said Sandusky.
“During the veterinary students’ competitions, they actually got to do their skills portion in the Indianapolis Zoo, which was really neat, and they absolutely loved it,” she said. “They spoke with the staff there and got some additional information and guidance about the professions they want to go into.”
Other students also made connections, and some had the opportunity to speak and share their resumes with potential future employers.
The students earned their opportunities to attend the international conference by successfully progressing from the regional and state competitions.
Previously at HOSA’s Florida State Leadership Conference in Orlando, held April 15–19, first place was awarded to McDowell in Health Career Photography, Greer in Pharmacology and Dean in Veterinary Science. Lawrence earned second place in Medical Spelling, and Lerille earned second place in Veterinary Science. Additionally, Ramos was honored with the statewide Barbara James Service Award for community service.
In the regional competition, held at West Florida High School in Pensacola on January 17, first place was awarded to Dominic Desporte in Biotechnology, McDowell in Health Career Photography, Lawrence in Medical Spelling, Ramos in Medical Terminology and Greer in Pharmacology. Dean and Lerille were awarded first place and second place, respectively, in the regional Veterinary Science event.
HOSA’s International Leadership Conference is the highlight of the year for members who have earned their place in the national competition. In addition to participating in competitive events, students attend educational seminars, workshops and exhibits and have the opportunity to connect with others from around the world who share similar career goals.