By Brandi Miller

For the FCT

Red Bay High School junior Valeria Maldonado returned from the HOSA State Conference with a new title. Maldonado is now the Alabama HOSA vice president of membership.

“I am proud of Valeria’s accomplishment,” said HOSA sponsor Dr. Kay Hargett.  “She has come from being a very shy young lady to a very polished and accomplished young lady.”

Maldonado and other members of the RBHS HOSA team traveled to Montgomery Feb. 19-21 to compete at the state level. Maldonado had put in many hours of work and preparation before she left for the state conference so she could compete for the title of a HOSA state officer.

Hargett said Maldonado had to first complete an in-depth application, submit a resume and obtain approval from administration before she could run for a HOSA office. She then had to write a polished speech to give in Montgomery.

Once at the conference, Maldonado recited her speech in front of the Alabama HOSA Executive Council and the Alabama HOSA voting delegates. A total of 15 students across the state of Alabama competed for the coveted and prestigious positions.

“Valeria did an outstanding job on her speech and made her home HOSA chapter extremely proud,” said Hargett. “Her speech was about diversity and how Alabama HOSA has made a huge difference not only in her life but the lives of students across the state of Alabama.”

Later that day, Maldonado learned she had won one of the four Alabama HOSA officers. She then underwent an in-depth interview with a special set of judges that would determine which of the offices she would hold.

Maldonado learned the following day that she had won the position of vice president and is also now a member of the Alabama HOSA Executive Committee.

Maldonado and Hargett will be traveling across the state attending executive council meetings and conducting state officer visits at HOSA chapters.

Along with her new duties, Maldonado will also be traveling to Houston, Texas, June 22-28 to attend the International HOSA Conference.

“While teaching in Franklin County, I have had two state HOSA presidents, three vice presidents and two international officers,” said Hargett. “I have been able to see my students go on to become physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists and occupational therapists, and some have went on to obtain doctorate degrees in their respective fields.

“HOSA is an organization that helps nurture, educate and guide students to become future healthcare professionals as well as leaders in their communities.”

Hargett added she is extremely proud of not only Maldonado but of every student she has taught. She said she loves seeing the accomplishments of her current and former students.

HOSA is an international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education division of ACTE. HOSA’s two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people.