Lahainaluna High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students qualified for the International Leadership Conference in June in Houston, Texas, by earning top finishes at the state competition.

LAHAINA – By earning top finishes at Maui and state events, Lahainaluna High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students qualified to compete at the global level this summer.

“Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, these qualifiers will not have the opportunity to physically attend the International Leadership Conference in June in Houston, Texas,” said the students’ advisor, Malia Shimomura.

“The pandemic did not stop National HOSA from working towards starting up a virtual conference to assure that students still have the opportunity to earn achievement.”

At press time, students Abigail Akamine (Pharmacology), David Advincula (Medical Law and Ethics), Caitlin Baclay (Human Growth and Development), Troy Concepcion (Medical Reading), Chelsea Adovas (Extemporaneous Health Poster) and the team of Yvonne Abut, Jadelyn Fujii, Fara Advincula and Leilani Umayum (Public Service Announcement) were expected to continue practicing their events, compete virtually in the conference and attend professional live symposiums online.

“As all the state winners exceeded proficiency in their events above their competition, these students have taken the opportunity to compete without the physical conference – without the theme parks, museums and other fun activities we do when we go on this trip,” Shimomura said.

“They are well aware of the fact that they will be using their quarantine time to prepare for their events, which will essentially open up the opportunity for international achievement.”

Shimomura and fellow advisors Marc Watasaki, Nicole Aceret and Andrew Heusinkvelt will discuss virtual check-in meetings with students as they practice.

Mike Landes, Arica Lynn, Tracy Poouahi, Tara Nakata and Ivy Huerter have also supported the students’ journeys this year.

Lahainaluna’s Health Services Pathway provides rigorous instruction and curriculum that sets the bar for HOSA competition.

Students competed first in the district competition at Seabury Hall in December.

From there, 38 students travelled to Oahu to compete in the Hawaii Career and Technical Schools Organization (CTSO) Conference in February.

These HOSA students earned top state honors in their respective events: Dental Terminology – Jacqueline Nguyen (first place); Community Awareness – Shanel Mangoang, Anjanette Aveno, Kailee Badua and Jasmin Fujita; Medical Law and Ethics – David Advincula (second place); Pharmacology – Abigail Akamine (second place); Public Service Announcement – Jadelyn Fujii, Yvonne Abut, Fara Advincula and Leilani Umayum (second place); Extemporaneous Health Poster – Chelsea Adovas (second place), Gianna Bauchman (third place) and Laie Tancayo (fourth place); Human Growth and Development – Caitlin Baclay (third place); Physical Therapy – Trinity Belmont (third place); Nursing Assisting – Khyle Simon (third place); Health Career Display – Almarie Idnay and Frenze Malaluan (third place); Medical Reading – Troy Concepcion (fourth place); CERT – Aliyah Azcueta and Maydelyn Sajor (fourth place).

Lahainaluna HOSA students have a long history of achievement at the local, state and national levels.

“Students who have competed in the past set an exemplary lead that not only demonstrates great discipline and passion, but they also are available as support to underclassmen,” Shimomura explained.

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students statewide. All state Department of Education schools will finish the year online, and students will not return to campus this school year.

The International Leadership Conference will adjust and be held online, so students will miss out on a very memorable trip and experience.

“Lahainaluna was very excited to travel – this team in particular – since there was a strong showing of leadership and competitive spirit,” Shimomura said.

“I wish the entire group of state winners were going to compete. Originally, all but two had committed to going to Houston this summer. But I understand that everyone is dealing with the pandemic in different ways, and for some students, finding the time and will to prepare may not be easy.”