IRSC HOSA Leaders Earn Accolades at HOSA 43rd Annual International Conference

July 29, 2020 Robert Lane

Eight Indian River State College (IRSC) HOSA—Future Health Professionals leaders attended the organization’s 2020 Virtual International Leadership Conference, on June 24–27, 2020, earning accolades for their participation and two Top 10 finalist recognitions as well as recognition for the IRSC chapter faculty advisor. The HOSA 43rd Annual International Leadership Conference included 8,042 competitors, 77 unique events, 206 judges, 83 exhibitors, and 62 workshop presenters.

IRSC HOSA Chapter Students

Eight IRSC HOSA—Future Health Professionals leaders participated in the HOSA 43rd Annual International Conference. Top Row (left to right) Audrey Anderson, Victoria Buezo, Wayne Chiasson and Dieuliette Joseph. Bottom Row (left to right) Alecia Lennox, Kayla Senger, Wilzahann Pierre and Aeyenna Lucero.

Originally scheduled to be held in Houston, Texas, the in-person portion of the conference was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions. HOSA—Future Health Professionals instead created and managed a virtual format—including engaging live sessions with keynote speakers U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, and Barbara P. Bush, daughter of former President George W. Bush. Conference attendance was tracked using gamification software applications. The software displayed point-scoring when students attended activities, reviewed services, and spoke with healthcare professionals from the Exhibit Hall and other links.

Florida students who qualified and were awarded for their regional competitions could not compete at the state level as the Florida State Leadership Conference was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, these students were able to participate in other competitive testing events offered by the National Geographic Learning–Academic Testing Center at the HOSA International Leadership Conference. Eight IRSC HOSA leaders competed in two tests each for the National Geographic Learning Academic Testing Center. The IRSC team participated in 16 testing events with students from our nation and other countries such as China and Canada.

Certificate of Participation–National Geographic Learning Academic Center:

Audrey Anderson, Stuart
Victoria Buezo, Port St. Lucie
Wayne Chiasson, Stuart
Dieuliette Joseph, Fort Pierce
Alecia Lennox, Port St. Lucie
Aeyanna Lucero, Okeechobee
Wilzahann Pierre, Port St. Lucie
Kayla Senger, Port St. Lucie

Audrey Anderson of Stuart was additionally recognized as a Top 10 Finalist—International Level (Occupational Safety and Health)–National Geographic Learning Academic Center and Completed and Earned OSHA-10 certification in Healthcare. Anderson is also a dual-enrollment student from Clark Advanced Learning Center/IRSC Chastain Campus and a recent graduate of the Emerging Leaders program at IRSC.

Alecia Lennox of Port St. Lucie was additionally recognized as a Top 10 Finalist—International Level (Occupational Safety and Health)–National Geographic Learning Academic Center.

Professor Emlyn Anderson, IRSC HOSA Faculty Advisor was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for HOSA members ranking in the Top 10 International Level–National Geographic Learning Academic Center and also recognized as Outstanding HOSA Florida Rookie Advisor–Postsecondary (State Leadership Conference 2020).

Earlier this year, the IRSC HOSA Chapter was recognized by the IRSC Campus Coalition Government with the Outstanding Community Service Award and the Riverlife Achievement Award. These honors recognize the IRSC HOSA Chapter for its active involvement in community service, leadership, and professional development during the 2019-2020 academic year.