The Heritage
Top row: Eshal Aziz, Josie Holsenbeck, Emma Johnson, Elijah Cahn, Nooratun Salman Bottom Row: Chance Davis-Jones, Kayla Roos, Kamila Henderson, Frances Gillies, Carmen Umdor-Singh (Advisor)
For some Hale students, exploring healthcare careers has become a story of leadership and achievement. HOSA has become a story of leadership and achievement. In just 3 years, Hale’s chapter of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) has gone from learning the ropes to taking the stage at the International Leadership Conference (ILC) — the biggest HOSA event.
After earning first place at the State Leadership Conference (SLC), the chapter will now be recognized for its incredible work on the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) service project at the ILC this summer in Nashville, Tennessee.
Their founding President, Kamila Henderson is the only one able to attend in person due to scheduling. But the entire team is supporting her and cheering for this huge accomplishment.
How do they feel from going 0 to 100 in ju?
“I’d say 100!” chapter advisor and medical CTE teacher, Mrs. Carmena said. “As a relatively new advisor to a new and small chapter, we started with a huge lot of learning along the way.”
And here they are! They are getting recognized for their service project at ILC.
“I commend our students for all the hard work, teamwork, commitment, drive, and dedication to get to this level,” Cammy said. “Clearly, it is proof that with passion and effort, even a brand-new club can do big things.”
What Is HOSA?
HOSA is an organization for future health professionals. It is a student organization for future healthcare workers.
“HOSA’s our health science club,”Sophomore Kayla Roos, 10th grader, said. “It basically is like four students interested in pursuing a career in science, opening up all of these opportunities.” Through competitive events, workshops, community service, scholarships, and leadership opportunities, HOSA shows students with hands-on experience and life-changing connections.
Service That Saves Lives
This year, they partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program(NMDP )
“It helps people with life threatening diseases, like leukemia and lymphoma find bone marrow or stem cell donors for transplants,” says Mrs. Carmena. “It’s a safe, effective, and simple way to make a big difference. In essence, your cells equal their cure.”
Leading by Example
As co-vice presidents, student leaders have supported others through choosing competition events, managing service projects, and making sure every member felt welcomed and empowered.
“We would manage competitions, and we would help people kind of decide what they want to do with their events, or like how they can fundraise for NMDP,” Kayla Roos said.
Their efforts are already paying off. Many colleges actively recruit HOSA students for their motivation and real-world experience.
A Journey of Growth
From the Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) and now ILC, this year’s journey has been full of unexpected wins, teamwork, and unforgettable growth. “I’ve had the privilege of watching students step outside their comfort zones, take on real challenges, and grow into confident, capable leaders,” commented Mrs. Carmena. These students are continuing this group for next year and if you feel that these words and advice go along with you, they meet on Mondays at lunch. This year is already ending so maybe to make it a goal to join next year. Check with Mrs. Carmena to find out what the schedule is for next year.
From zero to ILC, their story is just beginning, and you can be a part of it.