Lahainaluna High School students put in a strong effort at the State HOSA Conference on Feb. 23-24 at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu.

LAHAINA – Several Lahainaluna High School students have qualified to compete at the 2017 HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) National Leadership Conference on June 21-24 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The Lahainaluna students advanced through the Maui and state competitions to qualify to compete at the international event.

Winners at the recent state contest are:

Nursing Assisting, first place, Jamille Andres, Grade 12;

Sports Medicine, first place, Kaitlin Hodgins (not attending), Grade 11;

Medical Assisting, first place, Francis Bui, Grade 11;

Extemporaneous Health Poster, first place, Jean Ganoy, Grade 10;

Health Career Display, first place, Krizhna Bayudan and Shirlene Companero, Grade 10;

Health Career Display, second place, Rowel Ansagay and John Supnet, Grade 11;

Pathophysiology, second place, Natalie Brown, Grade 11;

CPR/First Aid, second place, Chase Uyeda and Shana Ratliff, Grade 10;

Healthy Lifestyle, second place tie, Eva Olson, Grade 11, and Isabella Omura, Grade 10;

Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking, second place, Grace Takemoto, Grade 10;

Physical Therapy, third place, Nikki Zamani, Grade 11.

The students are currently fundraising for their trip. They wrote:

“Students of Lahainaluna’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), also known as Future Health Professionals, are a part of the Health Services Pathway, which is a line of courses that prepare students for college and a career in medicine. In joining HOSA, students participate in various community service events, leadership activities, and competitive (medical and leadership) events that include knowledge exams, skills, speaking, critical thinking, and research.

HOSA is a major contributor in and out of the classroom for these students. Students who have attended this conference have said it is the greatest opportunity a high school student can experience if planning a career in the health or medical field. Not only do students compete against the best in the nation within their respective events, but students also attend professional workshops, expositions, keynote speeches, formal recognition and awards ceremonies, and get to meet and network with others around the world. Students end their seven-night and eight-day trip by enjoying their choices of relaxation and fun (Disneyland, Universal Studios).

As students are also saving money for their college investments, this trip holds a huge financial weight on families. LHS HOSA is asking for your monetary assistance of any affordable mean. Donations are deposited into the LHS HOSA account and will deduct the cost of the trip for the student. Costs include airfare, hotel, ground transportation, registration, workshops, and activities. Any donation is appreciated.

If you choose to help through monetary assistance, please write checks to Lahainaluna HOSA and be sure a specific name is included (if representing a business), so that a thank you letter may be sent for tax write-off evidence.”

Checks may be sent to Lahainaluna HOSA (c/o specific student or whole group), 980 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, HI 96761.