The TST BOCES Career and Tech Health Occupations classes recently organized a new chapter of The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). The mission of HOSA is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality healthcare by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill, and leadership development of all health science technology education students, therefore, helping students meet the needs of the healthcare community. The newly formed chapter was organized by Certified Nurse Assisting teacher and advisor, Mrs. Fran Horner. Members include David Achilles-Treasurer, Savannah Barnes-Secretary, Ariel Mikula-Vice president, Brandon Sloughter-Parliamentarian, Samantha Tifft-Treasurer, Ashley Vanhouten-President, and Kimberly Webbe-Historian. This group recently attended the New York State HOSA student leadership conference in Syracuse, New York. Two members of the TST Chapter placed in the competitive events. Ariel Mikula placed second in Personal Care, and Brandon Sloughter placed third in Nursing Assistant care. Members Ashley Vanhouten, David Achilles, Brandon Sloughter, and Samantha Tifft placed fourth in the HOSA bowl. Those who placed in the top three of their respective competitions, have been invited to the Nationals HOSA Leadership Conference to be held on June 22-25, 2011 in Anaheim California. The cost of this event will be covered through fund raising efforts.
The HOSA chapter and the State Leadership conference has brought different students from area schools together to work as one. Members have been able develop leadership roles that they never held before and have also had to learn parliamentary procedures. HOSA has also taught members the importance of being involved in the community inside and outside of school.