Manatee County students set their sights on medical careers, earn top spots in state
The Florida HOSA Future Health Professionals 2024 Student Leadership Conference was held April 4th through 7th in Kissimmee, near Orlando.
Photo: King Middle School HOSA at State Conference in Kissimmee.
Students from across the state competed in various events testing their knowledge and skill about health careers of their choosing.
First and second place achievements qualify for competition at the international level during a conference this summer in Houston.
Nolan Middle School teacher Michelle Boculac was also named Outstanding Chapter Advisor.
Students from Manatee County traditional middle and high schools, along with Manatee Technical College, competed and earned placement among the best and brightest in the state for the following categories (listed in order of achievement):
Photo: King Middle School HOSA member earns an award.
Math for Health Careers
1st Place – Victoria B., King Middle School
Pharmacy Science
1st Place – Riley McDonough, MTC
Photo: MTC students Fedhia Brunot and Maria Diaz-Gonzalez.
Mental Health Promotion
1st Place – Fedhia Brunot & Maria Diaz-Gonzalez, MTC
Health Career Preparation
1st Place – Peter H., Nolan Middle School
Health Career Exploration
2nd Place – Paisley K., King Middle School
Photo: MTC 2024 FL-HOSA winners Riley McDonough, Galilea Sanchez-Velazquez, Maria Diaz-Gonzalez and Fedhia Brunot qualify for the international competition.
Human Growth & Development
2nd Place - Galilea Sanchez-Velazquez, Manatee Technical College (MTC)
Photo: King Middle School HOSA member earns an award.
Health Career Preparation
3rd Place – Jordyn F., King Middle School
Life Threatening Situations
3rd Place – Samuel C., Nolan Middle School
Foundations of Veterinary Science
4th Place – Andrew S., King Middle School
5th Place – Brendan R., Nolan Middle School
Clinical Specialty
5th Place – Nathaniel B., Lakewood Ranch High School
Phlebotomy
5th Place – Karis P., Palmetto High School
The Barbara James Service Award is given to HOSA members who qualify by serving health-related community service hours such as volunteering at a senior center, blood drive or fundraising for an organization (i.e. American Cancer Society).
Nathaniel B. from Lakewood Ranch High School earned a silver level reward, which requires between 175-249 community service hours.
Manatee High School HOSA earned the NMDP Incentive Award. NMDP, formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program and Be the Match, is a registry of blood stem cell and marrow donors. Points are earned by fundraising for the organization or recruiting people to join the NMDP registry.