HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is an organization geared toward students who aspire to careers in healthcare. Led by students themselves, HOSA’s objective is to equip future healthcare professionals with the tools they need to lead the global health community. Through education, collaboration, and hands-on experience, HOSA provides a platform for students to develop their leadership skills and positively impact healthcare.

Students enrolled in New Castle Career Center’s Health Science Education (HSE) Program recently participated in the HOSA State Leadership Convention. From April 10-12, 2024, thirteen students journeyed to the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis for the convention’s competitive events program. Students competed in events centered on health science, health professions, leadership, and teamwork during the convention.

The following students shared these projects:

• Audrielle Black (Hagerstown High School) – Behavioral Health and Career Health Display: Obstetrics (Event Finalist)
• Taylor Boyd (New Castle High School) – Medical Assisting (Event Finalist), Prepared Speech: Dare to Create, and Medical Terminology
• Molly Claar (Blue River Valley High School) – Health Career Display: Phlebotomy and Medical Terminology
• Jeremiah Delk (Blue River Valley High School) – Health Career Display: Phlebotomy, Medical Terminology, and was a NCCC HOSA Voting Delegate
• Kaylyn Denny (Blue River Valley High School) – Health Career Display: Cardiology
• Gracy Heltzel (Blue River Valley High School HS) – Health Career Display: Epidemiology (Event Finalist) and Medical Terminology
• Mia Hilbert (Hagerstown High School) – Health Career Display: Obstetrics (Event Finalist)
• Lillian Keith (Eastern Hancock High School) – Research Poster: Hepatitis B & C, Health Education, and was a NCCC HOSA Chapter Voting Delegate
• Emma McDonald (Blue River Valley High School) – Career Health Display: Epidemiology (Event Finalist), Mental Health Promotion, and Behavioral Health
• Madison Oliver (Union High School) – Health Education, Nutrition, and was a NCCC HOSA Voting Delegate
• Emma Robinson (Knightstown Community High School) – Health Education and Human Growth & Development
• Emily Scott (Knightstown Community High School) – Research Poster: Depression in the Elderly Population and Health Education
• Ashley Zody (Shenandoah High School) – Health Career Display: Cardiology, Mental Health Promotion, and Medical Terminology

Recognition Received by New Castle Career Center HOSA Chapter

The New Castle Career Center HOSA Chapter was recognized for the following achievements:

• HOSA Service Project Recognition: National Service Project Participant for NMDP (formerly the National Marrow Donor Program) and Be The Match
• HOSA 100 Club Recognition
• America’s Blood Centers and HOSA Blood Drive Recognition
• ABC Blood Drive Recognition, Silver Level

“The HOSA convention is a time for students to showcase what they have learned in the HSE Program and to network with other Healthcare students and Professionals,” remarked Angie Talbott, Registered Nurse and Health Science Education Instructor. “They learned about professionalism, doing and being your best, and heard from inspirational guest speakers at the sessions. Students were able to see how hard work pays off and just how much they have learned and grown personally and professionally this school year.”

All the students were excited to attend the convention, and the juniors plan to attend again next year. Throughout the school year, the HOSA student class officers assume class responsibilities and organize community service projects.

For more information about the Health Science Education Program at the New Castle Career Center or the other programs available at the New Castle Career Center, follow them on Facebook, visit their website at nccareercenter.org, or call them at (765) 593-6680.

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), established in 1984, is a national nonprofit organization that celebrates students’ achievements in Career and Technical Education (CTE). NTHS fosters the development of future skilled workers and leaders by providing chapter activities centered around four core objectives: career development, leadership development, service, and recognition.

On Tuesday, March 14, New Castle Career Center spent the day celebrating students at the NTHS Induction Ceremony at Bundy Auditorium. This year, the NTHS Induction Ceremony witnessed a record-breaking 197 Career Center students inducted into the esteemed society. Among these talented individuals, 74 students extended their membership.

To be considered for this honor, students must meet several criteria. Students must obtain a recommendation for membership from their career program instructor. New Castle Career Center instructors nominate students based on their fulfillment of NTHS criteria and their demonstration of leadership, professionalism, and employability skills within their respective programs.

In their first semester, NTHS students must maintain a B+ average in their career program. Seniors must also have a B average at their home school, while juniors must maintain a B- in all classes taken through the previous semester. All candidates must have good attendance, reflecting their employability skills. Furthermore, students must complete four hours of community service by the end of their first semester.

As NTHS members, students gain a lifetime of benefits. Annually, NTHS awards nearly $300,000 in scholarships, providing financial support for members pursuing higher education. Additionally, members enjoy discounts on school and office supplies and access to partner programs. Beyond high school, NTHS students continue to have opportunities for success through scholarships, job placement assistance, and educational resources, setting them up for long-term growth and achievement.

For more information about programs available at the New Castle Career Center, visit nccareercenter.org or reach out by phone at (765) 593-6680.