From left, Malia Shimomura, M. Jee Abara, Carmela Bonifacio and Tracy Poouahi formed the Lahainaluna High School team that traveled to the International Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas from June 22-25.

LAHAINA — Lahainaluna High School’s Health Pathway HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Chapter has been active and bringing home national and international (beginning in 2018) medals since 2006.

Under the guidance of Health Services Instructor and HOSA Advisor Malia Shimomura, the program shifted in 2021 to take advantage of new opportunities, which have included adding an on-campus clinic (the Hale Ola Pono Clinic), offering College/Certification Courses, and supporting more Service-Based Learning Projects.

While these continue to grow, Health Occupations Students of America competition is still offered as an opportunity along with HOSA leadership and community services.

During the 2022-23 school year, Niko Miller and six students continued the tradition of competing in HOSA events.

Of the six, M. Jee Abara and Carmela Bonifacio took on the journey of preparing for the International Leadership Conference that was held in Dallas, Texas on June 22-25, 2023.

Abara and Bonifacio made Hawaii and Lahainaluna HOSA proud by bringing home a Bronze International Medal in their respective CPR/First Aid Event.

This included taking an exam that either eliminated or advanced them to a second round. Advancing to the second round, the students then had to perform their skills in a case scenario setting.

The conference held over 12,000 delegates and provided the competitive events, symposiums and recognition sessions.

These two students have bridged a beautiful transition from one phase to the next and will work with Miller on setting up new expectations for future competitive event opportunities.

Shimomura will still provide consultation, and the course’s curriculum will continue to support many of the events offered. Shimomura also advises the HOSA Council that includes holding meetings and attending leadership and service-based events.

HOSA, which is housed under the Lahainaluna Health Pathway, is supported by Career Technical Education Coordinators Tracy Poouahi and Dennis Sasai, LHS administration and accountants, and various mentors ranging from teachers to health care professionals.

To keep up with the Lahainaluna Health Pathway and HOSA, join Lahainaluna HOSA on Facebook or @lunashosa.

To learn more about HOSA, go to www.hosa.org.