The National HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) Leadership Conference was recently held in Orlando, Fla., on June 23rd – 26th.

This conference provided a great opportunity for students and advisors to learn and grow.  This year five Russellville High School students and one advisor had the opportunity to attend the conference along with seven thousand students from throughout the United States.

Not only did the conference provide the opportunity for students to meet, greet and network with thousands of fellow HOSA members, but it also allowed competition among the students.

Students attending this conference were from schools in the private sector as well as medical magnet schools. Russellville High School came home with the nation’s best Dental Terminology Speller, Jennifer Duncan, who placed first in this category.

This is an amazing honor for Jennifer to receive such recognition for her hard work in this area.

Without our sponsors, this conference would not have been possible.

We would like to sincerely thank the following sponsors for supporting us and allowing us this opportunity: State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, State Sen. Roger Bedford, Russellville Hospital, Kiwanis Club, Cultura Garden Club, Dr. Morgan, Dr. Sherrill, Dr. Morissette, Dr. Britnell, Dr. Osman, First Metro Bank, Clark Pulley, Russellville Animal Clinic, Hester & James Attorneys, Mr. Lanny Norris, Revenue Commissioner Gene Ellison, Probate Judge Barry Moore, District Attorney Joey Rushing and Mr. John Jolley.

HOSA  is the only student organization that is 100 percent healthcare committed to building a pipeline of healthcare professionals and is endorsed by the United States Department of Education.

Lavonda Sparks, Russellville High School HOSA Advisor, Jennifer Duncan, Jenifer Montijo, Heath Scott, Christen Garrison, Alayna Groce