HOSA State Competition

On April 10, HOSA embarked on their annual State Leadership Conference. Senior Madeline Yocum was among those who attended the event, and placed top ten for her research poster, top ten for mental health promotion and third place for prepared speaking.

"HOSA was amazing this year," explained Yocum. "My favorite part of the event was spending time with friends. I also reconnected with one of my friends who I met at the competition last year who I hadn't seen since the last competition."

Yocum explained that when she first joined HOSA, she felt out of place because she was not pursuing a professional career in healthcare. However, she gradually found her footing, and even placed fifth internationally at the ILC HOSA competition in Texas last summer.

Photo Courtesy of Madeline Yocum

"From HOSA, I have not only gained knowledge about the brain, forensics and different health careers, but I have also learned how to be independent," she explained. "It has prepared me for the type of projects and problems I may be given in college."

For incoming students, Yocum encouraged them to join the club, even if they aren't interested in the healthcare field. "The club is inclusive and there are projects for everyone," she advised. "You have a lot of freedom with many of the projects, and the competition itself is tons of fun."

Story by Lily Saylor